A year from now, Australian smokers will have to look a whole lot harder to find their favorite brand of smokes. Thanks to a first-of-its-kind law to be implemented by December 2012, when they glance across the counter they'll be staring at rows of nearly identical, olive green cartons. In place of symbols or slogans, there will be graphic health warnings covering much of each pack.
On Nov. 21, Australia announced that it will be the first country in the world to introduce plain cigarette packaging. It's a controversial move that will be closely watched by countries like Canada, New Zealand and the U.K., all of which are considering similar legislation. Australia already has some of the strictest antismoking laws in the world. Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces as well as many outdoor areas with laws varying from state to state. Tobacco companies cannot sponsor events in Australia, and cigarettes can only be sold behind closed doors. Still, some 15,000 people die from smoking related illness every year and 15% of Australians smoke. The government wants to reduce that figure to 10% by 2018.
On Nov. 21, Australia announced that it will be the first country in the world to introduce plain cigarette packaging. It's a controversial move that will be closely watched by countries like Canada, New Zealand and the U.K., all of which are considering similar legislation. Australia already has some of the strictest antismoking laws in the world. Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces as well as many outdoor areas with laws varying from state to state. Tobacco companies cannot sponsor events in Australia, and cigarettes can only be sold behind closed doors. Still, some 15,000 people die from smoking related illness every year and 15% of Australians smoke. The government wants to reduce that figure to 10% by 2018.
Health campaigners welcomed the decision. "This has been a really important campaign for us," says Ian Olver, the CEO of Cancer Council Australia. "It was one of the last opportunities that the tobacco companies have had to advertise their product." Olver believes the new rules will make smoking less alluring. "Young people get attracted to cigarette packets because of the way they represent their lifestyles. A sportier person might buy what they consider a sportier brand, and every time they take that packet out, they advertise that brand to their peers."
Unsurprisingly, the tobacco industry isn't pleased. Philip Morris, whose brands include Longbeach, Peter Jackson and Marlboro, took action three hours after the legislation passed.
Unsurprisingly, the tobacco industry isn't pleased. Philip Morris, whose brands include Longbeach, Peter Jackson and Marlboro, took action three hours after the legislation passed.
