The sale of cigarettes in packets of 10 is expected to be banned by 2016 after MEPs voted for tighter restrictions on tobacco use across Europe.
Electronic cigarette substitutes, which are increasingly popular as a less harmful alternative to smoking, will be subjected to the same strict limitations on advertising as ordinary tobacco products under the plan aimed at reducing smoking among women and young people.
Linda McAvan, the Labour MEP who drafted the legislation, said the new rules would protect “children from being targeted by tobacco companies” via the lure of attractive branding, small female-friendly packs and flavoured cigarettes.
“Four thousand British children start smoking each week - that’s a staggering 200,000 new childhood smokers a year,” she said. Read on and comment » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Tuesday, October 08, 2013
