Anti-smoking laws due this year

smokingStrong anti-smoking legislation is to be introduced across the European Union.

Cigarette packs will be obliged to carry large health warnings. Flavoured and menthol cigarettes will be banned altogether.

The changes have been voted in by the European Parliament.

The EU Tobacco Products Directive includes:

 *   picture warnings on 65% of both front and back of every packet and further warnings on the top
 *   a ban on "lipstick-style" packs aimed at women - all packs must have at least 20 cigarettes to leave room for health warnings
 *   roll-your-own tobacco to carry similar picture warnings
 *   a ban on promotional elements, such saying "this product is free of additives" or is less harmful than other brands
 *   a ban on flavoured cigarettes, such as menthol, fruit and vanilla
 *   a maximum nicotine-concentration level for e-cigarettes.
 *   EU-wide tracking of cigarettes to combat illegal trade

 

It is likely the changes will come into force in May of this year, but member nations have up to two years to introduce the legislation.

The EU is seeking to prevent young adults ever taking up smoking as well as cutting the number of smokers.

An estimated 700,000 premature deaths in the EU every year are caused by smoking.