The case against plain packaging
Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 9:28 Excellent article about plain packaging by Rich White on the Guardian website yesterday:
Why plain packaging will not stop youths smoking
Rich tells me that it is currently the most read article in the Society section.
Tom Clougherty of the Adam Smith Institute has a follow-up piece on the ASI blog.
White also notes that plain packaging it likely to prove a counterfeiters charter (apparently “85% of cheap cigarettes sold on London streets” are fakes) and points out that cigarettes are already much harder for children to get hold of than alcohol, which may in fact be a greater problem.
But, of course, I very much doubt that the real goal of plain packaging laws is to protect children and stop impulse buying. In fact, it is probably just another measure designed to stigmatize smokers, and constantly remind them that the authorities regard their habit as shameful and sordid. You can say what you like about smoking and the tobacco industry, but I still don’t think this is how government should treat grown-ups. Nor do I think it a legitimate basis for policymaking.
At some point, you have to say that enough is enough – and I’d suggest we’ve long since passed that point when it comes to tobacco control.
Reader Comments (5)
"In fact, it is probably just another measure designed to stigmatize smokers, and constantly remind them that the authorities regard their habit as shameful and sordid."
Probably!?
At least everyday types are starting to wake up to Tobacco Control's true motives.
I believe that Rich White got married a week or two back, and is currently enjoying his honeymoon. So he probably won't be reading this.
...unless of course it's a completely different Rich White.
Frank, it is the same Rich White and he is reading this!
Frank, you are right I am enjoying my honeymoon but I am also reading this - theperk of mobile internet!
Simon, thanks for plugging the article