'Proposals are simply menthol' says Yorkshire MEP (From Ilkley Gazette)

'Proposals are simply menthol' says Yorkshire MEP

9:00am Friday 4th January 2013 in Local news

Plans to ban menthol cigarettes and require anti-smoking warnings to cover 75 per cent of cigarette packets have been criticised by Yorkshire MEP Godfrey Bloom.

Draft EU legislation over cigarette packet branding will enable member states, including Britain, to go even further and also impose plain packaging, completely removing branding.

“Those who think it will deter smokers need to think again,” said Mr Bloom, UKIP Euro-MP.

“Research shows that ironically plain packaging is more likely to lead to more tobacco consumption.

“Removing brand imagery leads consumers to shift their preferences away from premium brands towards cheaper alternatives which would make cigarettes more affordable and consumption would rise.

“Menthol cigarette flavouring is lined up to be prohibited and a 'de facto' ban on electronic cigarettes is proposed. They will have to be authorised as 'medicinal products'.

“I find this particularly crazy as e-cigarettes are healthier alternatives. The European Commission will not stop here, next it will be alcohol and foods.”