Support for standardized packaging

In calling for the introduction of standardized tobacco packaging throughout the EU, a leading anti-smoking campaigner has claimed that evidence from Australia shows that such packaging works – presumably that it reduces smoking.

In a piece in The Parliament Magazine, Martin Banks said that Carlos Jimenez-Ruiz, chair of the European Respiratory Society’s tobacco control committee, has called for increased efforts to protect children from tobacco.

“I firmly believe that plain-packaging for tobacco products is a crucial cost-effective public health policy for reducing tobacco use in young people,” Jimenez-Ruiz was quoted as saying. “Evidence from Australia shows that plain-packaging works.

“It should be introduced as part of a package of measures including smoke free legislation and smoking cessation support services.

“Ireland, the UK and France have already adopted measures to protect children from tobacco and I am calling today on all European countries to follow this example.”

The European Respiratory Society hosted an event in the European Parliament to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31, which called on all countries to prepare for standardized packaging.