Mythbusting

Fact not fiction: The truth behind the packaging

Myth #1
There is no evidence plain packaging will work.
Truth
Research and large scientific surveys from around the world indicate that plain packs are less appealing; make the health warnings more effective; and stop smokers believing that some cigarette brands are less harmful than others.

Myth #2
Tobacco smuggling will increase because plain cigarette packs are easily counterfeited.
Truth
There is no evidence that plain packaging will lead to an increase in the illicit trade in tobacco. Plain packs may not have the brand logos and colours, but they will still be required to have all the health warnings and other covert security markings - so they will actually be no easier to counterfeit.

Myth #3
Plain packs will cause confusion and extra costs for small businesses.
Truth
The main impact will be on reducing uptake amongst young people and not on current smokers. Which means sales will decline gradually and not overnight, allowing shops time to adapt. Research measuring over 5,000 ‘retail transactions’ (the time shop staff take to find the right pack and hand it over), found that plain packs, if anything, reduced transaction times and selection errors.

Myth #4
Tobacco is going to be put out of sight, so we don’t need plain packs.
Truth
Tobacco packaging will only be hidden in shops. Once outside, it will be on display and continue to work as the industry’s ‘silent salesman’ advertising brands and promoting smoking to children.

Myth #5
Isn’t this going too far? Are other ‘unhealthy’ products going to be branded plain too?
Truth
Tobacco is not like any other product. It is the only legal consumer product on the market which is lethal when used as the manufacturer intended. Plain packs for tobacco will not set a precedent for other consumer products.