September 5, 2013

On September 3, 2013, Scotland reaffirmed that it would be moving forward with plain packaging, with the intent that legislation would be introduced next fiscal year, in 2014-15.

On September 3, 2013, Scotland reaffirmed that it would be moving forward with plain packaging, with the intent that legislation would be introduced next fiscal year, in 2014-15.

The Scottish Government stated: “Scottish Ministers regret the UK Government’s decision not to proceed with legislation to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products. The Scottish Government is determined to take forward this important public health measure, and will consult on the issue in the coming months, with the intention of introducing legislation in 2014-15.”

The statement was made as part of the Scotland Government’s formal programme, “Empowering Scotland: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2013-2014”.  See page 74, paragraph 67:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/8177/downloads#res433229

Scotland’s announcement on Sept. 3 reiterates previous statements of the Scotland Government and the desire to implement plain packaging.  What is clear now is that Scotland is going to move ahead on its own, without waiting for UK-wide legislation.

Health campaigners at ASH Scotland (Action on Smoking and Health – Scotland) have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has committed to a timescale to introduce plain, standardized packaging for tobacco products.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy, said:

“It is fantastic news that Scotland will be moving ahead with this crucial commitment to protect children. There is a delay, but this will give the Scottish Government time to get the detail right, in the face of certain opposition from tobacco companies worried about their profits. What is important is the urgent need to protect young people in Scotland from the promotion of tobacco products.”

Notes:

1)    ASH Scotland is the independent Scottish charity taking action to reduce the harm caused by tobacco.

2)    Australia was the first county to remove branding and logos from tobacco packaging, last December, on the basis that this would make tobacco products less appealing, particularly to young people. Several other countries have expressed an interest in the measure, and the four UK administrations collaborated on a public consultation last Summer.

Source: ASH Scotland (September 4, 2013)