A solitary case: Swedish tobacco policy as harm reduction?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse Swedish tobacco policy, especially in relation to EU tobacco regulation. The paper also seeks to review the arguments and the scientific support presented in the debate around Swedish snus, setting it in the context of future EU regulation on tobacco.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on previous research, official documents and newspaper articles to examine tobacco policy development on a national and EU level.

Findings

The paper shows that the so‐called Swedish experience has led to a somewhat ambivalent political attitude towards tobacco policy. The Swedish case of snus also demonstrates the EU as a political and regulatory force in national policymaking and how different economic and political interests are using scientifically based arguments to advance goals of their own. The paper argues that political measures are dictated by ideology and political considerations, which are themselves supported by ambiguous scientific results. Harm reduction is used as a political tool in a debate which extends well beyond public health concerns.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research on tobacco policy in general and on Swedish snus in particular. The paper also puts the snus question in a broader context of national public health policy and EU regulation.

Citation

Cisneros Örnberg, J. (2013), "A solitary case: Swedish tobacco policy as harm reduction?", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 102-110. https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-02-2013-0007