Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) is planning to attend a government advisory panel meeting in order to challenge smoking restrictions that the government is planning to implement.

JT representatives will state the firm’s basic stance that “tobacco is a luxury item and the decision of whether or not to smoke is up to the individual to make based on information regarding the impact on and risks to health.”

The company will emphasize that by 2008 it will equip all cigarette vending machines with a gadget to identify legal-age smokers to prevent access to people under 20 years old. It will also tell the meeting that it has promoted the separation of smoking and nonsmoking environments, JT officials said.

On the health hazards of inhaling secondhand smoke, JT will argue that, based on about 50 research studies, evaluations have varied and that there is no consensus on the impact.

It will emphasize a report that found no significant difference in health care costs between smokers and nonsmokers, according to the officials.

JT reportedly will caution the government against “reckless restrictions” and promote the need for “balanced, appropriate regulations.”

JT will be joined at the meeting by representatives from Philip Morris & Co.