Skip to Content

New laws on packaging for cigarettes.

New laws to standardise cigarette packaging have been given the go ahead by MPs.

From 2016 all brands of cigarettes sold in the UK will look the same; the packaging will carry the brand name of the maker with images of illnesses associated with smoking, health warnings and the content breakdown of the cigarette.

The new law needs to pass through the House of Lords but that is seen as a formality.

In a free vote in the House of commons 367 Mps voted in favour of the new laws with 113 against.

The UK are the third country to introduce the new packaging, behind Australia and Ireland, having declared that it would consider the changes the government ran a consultation in 2012, since then the new law change seemed to flounder amid accusations of interference, which prompted a review which concluded that the changes would see a reduction in smoking.

The review highlighted the uptake of smoking in children and concluded that the change could see a fall of 2%, with the removal of brand designs making the packets less appealing.

The moves have been widely applauded, with some considering the changes to be the most important health changes during this parliament.

Some concerns we raised about the timing of the measure so close to the end of parliament, and the smoking lobby group said the measures would not make any difference, and mentioned that consideration perhaps should be given to standardising alcohol packaging.

The latest amendment to the Children's and Families Bill comes on the back of a Labour led change passed a week earlier which empowers ministers to make it a criminal offence to smoke in privately owned cars whilst in the company of children if ministers decide to in the future.

As this has received backing through parliament we would expect that it will become Law in the not too distant future.

Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

TV Licence rules

New TV Licence rules - New Licensing rules apply to all viewers of the BBC iPlayer service,
The change in rules cover all iPlayer programs; previously only vi..

Company bosses may be held responsible for staff fraud

Company bosses may be held responsible for staff fraud - Criminal Finance Bill 2016-17
Plans are being considered by ministers to hold company bosses liable if..

Controlling and Coercive Behaviour in Relationships

Family law, Changes to help victims of controlling behaviour.
The Home Secretary had announced new laws to help victims of psychological and emotional abuse b..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

`Stop and Search` changes.

Changes in the police stop and search monitoring | Recommendations have been made to improve the way the police record information when undertaking a stop and s..

Professional Negligence Claims.

Guide if you have suffered Professional Negligence. Professional Negligence solicitors deal with action against those in the professional services industries, a..

Motoring Offences | Drugs

It is illegal to drive a vehicle when under the influence of drugs; if you are found guilty of this offence you will face a ban, a fine and a custodial sentence..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

Rights for Crime Victims.

Rights for Crime Victims - The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced that, for the first time, victims of crime will be given legal rights...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top