UK Government to legislate for plain cigarette packaging this year

The British government plans to force cigarettes to be sold only in drab packets with graphic health warnings.

Ministers are to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes along the Australian model with legislation this year, after becoming convinced that the branding is a key factor in why young people start to smoke.

Despite a massive reduction in the numbers smoking since the 1950s, it is still estimated that one in five British people smokes. There is already a complete ban on cigarette advertising

The Guardian

While it is obviously a good idea to stop smoking and every smoker is very aware of that, I resent the nanny state telling everyone what they should and shouldn't be doing.

In his Two Treatises of Government (1869), the great British philosopher John Stuart Mill opposed paternalism on the grounds that individuals know their own good better than the state does, that the moral equality of persons demands respect for others' liberty.

He wrote

"the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant."

Opponents of paternalism

Clearly the UK government is not respecting the liberty of others to make their own choices and the argument that people cannot smoke as it harms others is questionable at best.

Scenes from the Nanny State: Marlhaven Lights: Brian attempts to purchase a pack of Marlhaven Lights

reply to post by ollncasino


We already have those packets here in Australia... it's quite ridiculous. If they thought it was so bad why not just make it illegal. It's always low brow scare tactics with these people... using fear is their specialty after all.

I just transfer my tobacco (I hate normal cigs) from it's new pouch into my old tin and it's problem solved.

Originally posted by ChaoticOrder

We already have those packets here in Australia... it's quite ridiculous. If they thought it was so bad why not just make it illegal. It's always low brow scare tactics with these people... using fear is their specialty after all.

The UK government takes in £12 bn in tax revenue while smoking related diseases cost the NHS only £5 bn.

Smoking is a nice earner for the UK government. They don't want to ban it.

reply to post by ChaoticOrder


Great idea, watch somebody soon will make a load of money. By bringing back cigarette cases like they used to have in the 30's and 40's. No matter what they do someone will turn a profit.

Originally posted by rockymcgilicutty
reply to post by ChaoticOrder

 

Great idea, watch somebody soon will make a load of money. By bringing back cigarette cases like they used to have in the 30's and 40's. No matter what they do someone will turn a profit.

lol, then they'll make "custom cigarette cases" illegal.

reply to post by ChaoticOrder


My God, it's a never ending cycle.

Does this not break all sorts of consumer rights laws ? There must be some kind of legal recourse over this draconian measure. Where are the lawyers ?

Originally posted by sayzaar
Does this not break all sorts of consumer rights laws ? There must be some kind of legal recourse over this draconian measure. Where are the lawyers ?

The UK parliament can in principle bring in any law it wishes (parliamentary sovereignty). There is no constitution as such protecting rights in the UK. On the other hand, laws which fall foul of EU can be challenged.

reply to post by ollncasino

We've had those warnings on ciggy packets here in SA for quite a while now-thing is,one gets used to the words of warning-and every smoker does know-only you yourself can make yourself stop/cut down.What ive done is bought a ciggy container,black with a white skeleton pic on it,just because i thought it looked funky-i love skeleton imagery.However,can you believe,this ciggy tin actually makes my hand stop in mid-air often while reaching for a ciggy-and think "I can wait a while longer".Whenever i use it,i really do tend to smoke less-i wonder why i don't overlook the death image after a while,get used to it,like with the normal ciggy packets?Well i guess the visual impact is of greater effect,than the mere words on the packets,idk? Unexpected benefit to a cool ciggy tin anyway.

In my experience with these plain pks sold to us here in aus. Is the constant confusion the sellers and shop workers are having . With the exception of once ( being sold the wrong strength I asked for & not realising until opening). The poor checkout chicks (& men) are having a hard time of it.

I don't know exactly how many different brands and strengths are sold here but it would & seems to be very annoying going through the shelf looking for a pk. It would be interesting to know the real figures in aus on if sales are up/down or the same since the introduction of "plain" packaging. And apparently people are selling stickers to stick over the horrible pic although I haven't seen them.

reply to post by ChaoticOrder

I just transfer my tobacco (I hate normal cigs) from it's new pouch into my old tin and it's problem solved.

Same here.. Although I don't really mind the pictures on the packets, as I don't particularly look at them. Also it is my own prerogative to smoke. Some peeps drink, some smoke, some eat too much fast food etc etc..

reply to post by ollncasino

While it is obviously a good idea to stop smoking and every smoker is very aware of that, I resent the nanny state telling everyone what they should and shouldn't be doing.

I agree with you there 100%. I will not have someone telling me what I can and cannot do with mine own body..! It is a choice that peeps make.. Everybody knows that smoking is a serious drain on health, however we have a right to decide what we want in our bodies or not.

I smoke roll ups, and I really enjoy my cigarettes. Especially in the morning with my coffee..! It is like a wee ritual for me and gets me prepared for the day ahead..

s/f

Its like in supermarkets now you cant see any tobacco related products, they are now in a closed cabinet out of view. Its all just too far. Do they really think that will stop people smoking? No , they just think it will make those complaining about smoking shut up for the next year!

I smoke tobacco and have used pouches in prime condition too swap my tobacco back into once this comes in.

Fluff007 gets a star for the morning cigerette and coffee routine

How does this actually affect anyone negatively, though?

You guys seem to be getting very alarmed over nothing. I've found some of the warnings on my cigarette packs rather educational, actually.

I'm not one to side with the government, however as a smoker I can honestly say that anything that removes the allure of smoking to younger generations and encourages people to quit smoking can only be a good thing. I hate it. It tastes like # and I sound like a rusty engine when I cough and it is a real bitch to quit.

Is it just me or does the act of printing warning labels on cigs come off like a joke ? Seriously anyone who doesn't know smoking can damage your health probably has much larger issues to contend with. Just a complete waste of time and money for all involved. Seems the lack of common sense in this world has accelerated rapidly over the last 20 years or so. This whole thing is just wasteful government spending