National News Unpopular taspo card goes nationwide

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The taspo card, which is required to buy cigarettes from vending machines, went nationwide July 1.

The "tobacco passport" can only be issued to people over 20, and is an attempt to stop underage smoking. To receive a card, smokers have to fill out a form and mail it with a copy of identification papers.

Only a quarter of Japan's 26 million smokers had bothered to get one as of June 24. (Kyodo News)

「タスポ」、全国で運用開始

7月1日、たばこ購入のための成人識別ICカード「taspo」の運用が全国の自動販売機で始まった。しかし喫煙者の25%ほどにしか普及していないなど、課題も多い。

Shukan ST: July 11, 2008

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