Aussie court decision of no relevance to United Kingdom
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 9:17
Simon Clark

Don't panic.

The announcement this morning that an Australian court has rejected a challenge by tobacco companies to the plain packaging law may be a setback Down Under - and will be celebrated by anti-tobacco activists worldwide - but it has little or no relevance to the UK, or anywhere else.

One, the companies were challenging whether the relevant Act was contrary to Australia's constitution. (The UK doesn't have one.)

Two, opposition to plain packaging in the UK (not to mention America where plain packaging would be completely unconstitutional) is far greater than it ever was in Australia. (Have I mentioned that 235,000 people signed the Hands Off Packs petition?)

Consumers, retailers, shop workers, businessmen, serving and retired police officers - these are just some of the extraordinary number of people who have expressed opposition to plain packaging in the UK.

Today's announcement will be welcomed by ASH et al but don't for a moment think it will have a major impact on the debate in the UK.

There is still everything to play for ...

Full story: Australia cigarette plain packaging law upheld by court (BBC News)

Update: Aussie ruling on plain packaging won't affect UK campaign (Forest)

Marketing magazine also has the story here (Tobacco giants lose Australian ruling on plain cigarette packaging) with a quote from Forest.

Update: Forest undeterred by Australian court ruling on plain tobacco packaging (Retail Times)

Article originally appeared on Simon Clark (http://taking-liberties.squarespace.com/).
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