Coupons for Cigarettes: Acceptable or Unacceptable?

Upon visiting a gas station last week in Chinatown, I had quite the unsettling encounter.  A consumer ahead of me was interested in purchasing a packet of Marlboro Lights.  The cashier looked at her with intrigue, and asked whether or not she would like a coupon to purchase Camel cigarettes for the bargain price of $1.00.  With cigarette taxes escalating tobacco products to an average of $6.00, the consumer did not hesitate to accept the offer.  To her right, there was a Certified Field Agent for Camel Cigarettes.  He willfully took down some of her information, and presented her with the coupon.  Taking a keen interest in his job, I asked the Certified Field Agent about his work.  

It was with an enthusiastic smile, he reported that he serves as a promoter for the brand, often partnering with local gas stations to reach consumers.  He explained Camel began using coupons as several industries implemented them in the wake of the recession.  Proud to be serving the community with affordable cigarettes, he noted that the coupon used to give consumers a pack of Camels for free.  Of course, this measure did not last long, as free cigarettes from tobacco companies became illegal.  

As our conversation continued, I couldn't help but notice the success of his presence in the gas station.  While I was only there for ten minutes, three customers who intended to purchase another brand of cigarettes walked away with a pack of Camels using the coupon.  That being said, increased tax on cigarettes exist for the sole purpose to create a disincentive on purchasing cigarettes.  Understanding that significant gains have been made in reducing the prevalence of smoking for the general population in the United States, Camel’s response to tobacco control interventions is to offer a discounted product.  When I inquired as to his clientele, I noticed they were concentrated in poorer communities in Los Angeles, and consequently, catered to ethnic communities and immigrants.  Of course, they target specific communities as research suggests smoking rates remain high for some sub-populations.

There is something utterly wrong about this situation, and I can’t help but think we need to take action against it. What are your thoughts?  Do you think providing a coupon is fair given the state of our economy? Or, does it suggest a need for further government intervention?