Australia, less than a year ago, became the first country to introduce plain packaging of cigarettes. It did so to reduce the number of deaths from smoking-related diseases, and to improve public health. The Australian government in legislating for this major change withstood strong opposition from the tobacco industry. Tobacco companies have argued that the plain packaging requirement greatly reduces the brand appeal of their products, by making it harder for smokers to distinguish between different cigarette brands. And they have also claimed that such legislation infringes their intellectual property rights.
Both Ireland and Britain are now likely to follow the Australian lead. Last November the Government approved legislation, currently being drafted, to introduce plain packaging of cigarettes. In Britain, prime minister David Cameron now favours reform. And last week, a review commissioned by the UK government concluded that unbranded packs could reduce the number of children starting to smoke.
Ireland has an impressive record in tackling the challenge that smoking-related illnesses present, where it is estimated one in every two smokers will die from such an illness. In 2004, Ireland set the world an example when it became the first country to ban smoking in workplaces. Many public health benefits accruing from the smoking ban are well documented.
Source: Irish Times, 09/04/14
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