Plain wrappers for Aussie cigs
The ban would take effect from July 2012 and packets would have a compulsory prominent government health warning with the brand name relegated to tiny, generic print at the bottom.
“The new branding for cigarettes will be the most hardline regime in the world and cigarette companies will hate it,” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said.
The government also announced it would increase the cigarette tax by 25%.
Tobacco companies immediately criticised the move and vowed to fight it in court.
“Introducing plain packaging just takes away the ability of a consumer to identify our brand from another brand and that’s of value to us,” an Imperial Tobacco Australia spokeswoman said, adding the company plans to take legal action. Retailers said the tax rise would hurt their businesses.
