Plain packs stub out habit

As Ireland prepares to be the first EU state to introduce plain package tobacco laws, a study in Australia has found that they are having the desired effect there.

In 2012 Australia became the first country in the world to introduce plain packaging laws, with smoking in decline since then.

A study by the Cancer Institute of New South Wales shows the rules are achieving their objectives.

Eight out of ten smokers say they don’t like the look of their ugly packs of cigarettes.

The number of users worried about their smoking has also doubled since plain packs were introduced two years ago, according to the British Medical Journal.

“We’re seeing some real changes in the perception of smokers and their quitting behaviour,” says Cancer Institute NSW chief Professor David Currow.

The Irish legislation, announced last June by former Health Minister James Reilly will remove trademarks, logos, colours and graphics from packets, with only the product name allowed.

Graphic warnings about the damage caused by smoking will also be displayed on packaging.

Some cigarette companies have indicated they will mount a legal challenge against the Irish government if the proposed legislation becomes law.

Australia’s laws are also being challenged by a number of countries through the World Trade Organisation.

The Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 is currently going through the Oireachtas.

It is already the subject of objections from both the tobacco industry and other EU states.

The tobacco industry has indicated that court proceedings will be issued to prevent the introduction of the proposals if the Bill is passed.

Eight other EU states have lodged concerns with the European Commission regarding the Irish proposals.