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

Totting up points on your driving Licence

Totting up points on your driving Licence.
When a driver accumulates twelve points or more in a three-year period on their driving license they are normally s..

Unauthorised Encampments: The Powers of Landowners and the Police

Greater power to evict travellers planned.
- The Tory government are set to announce new measures to evict travellers from illegal camp sites, which include s..

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...

What is a Section 60 notice?

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

link

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

Professional Negligence Claims.

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

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

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

link

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..

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..

Consumer rights at Christmas returning gifts

We have all been there, that jumper from Uncle Tom with a reindeer on it just will not cut it and its four sizes too small, the electric car you bought online g..

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