Working for a tobacco-free Scotland
22 November 2010
ASH Scotland welcomed Westminster Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley's announcement over the weekend that he is considering bringing forward UK legislation for plain tobacco packaging. In standardised packaging only basic information and health and picture warnings would be visible, lowering the potential for brand and image promotion.
Andrew Lansley said:
"The evidence is clear that packaging helps to recruit smokers, so it makes sense to consider having less attractive packaging. It's wrong that children are being attracted to smoke by glitzy designs on packets."
Commenting, ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:
"It's very encouraging to see that the mounting evidence of the promotional role of cigarette packs in recruiting new young smokers is being recognised in Westminster and we welcome this announcement.
"Evidence shows that children are more aware of branding than adults and that very few established smokers switch brands. Two thirds of smokers become addicted under the legal age of purchase, and around 40% under the age of 16. Pack branding has become the new tobacco advertising.
"Scotland's excellent point of sale legislation which is due to come into force next year will help reduce the visibility of cigarette brands by putting glitzy gantries out of sight. Plain packaging is the next step beyond that in closing down tobacco companies attempts to entice young people. I congratulate Andrew Lansley for raising this issue."
Action on Smoking & Health (Scotland) (ASH Scotland) is a registered Scottish charity (SC 010412) and a company limited by guarantee(Scottish company no 141711). The registered office is 8 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HB.
© 2012 ASH Scotland
ASH Scotland acknowledges with thanks the support of the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Government in developing our website.
