23 January 2012
From Wednesday 25 January, retailers can only sell cigarettes in packaging with graphic visual images.
The Tobacco Control regulations, approved by the States last year, bring Jersey into line with Guernsey and the UK. Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Anne Pryke, said: “We hope placing pictorial warnings on tobacco products will put young people off from starting smoking and encourage smokers who want to quit to take that next step.”
Retailers who sell cigarettes have had a year’s notice about selling only cigarettes with picture warnings. Next year, loose tobacco will also be subject to the same regulations.
Government health warnings are already used to inform smokers about the health risks of tobacco. Adding a picture to existing warnings on packaging has been shown to be beneficial in encouraging some smokers to quit. Someone who smokes a pack a day could potentially be exposed to such health warnings about 7,300 times a year.
The Head of Health Improvement at Health and Social Services, Andrew Heaven, said: “Tobacco continues to be a significant cause of avoidable death and disease. It is important that these measures are put in place as they will reinforce existing support to help people give up smoking.”
Cigarette packaging warnings (industry and finance section)
gov.je