22 October 2010
Smokers in Jersey could face graphic picture warnings on cigarette and tobacco packaging if proposals are approved by States Assembly.
Government health warnings are already used to inform smokers about the health risks of tobacco. Someone who smokes a pack a day could potentially be exposed to such health warnings about 7,300 times a year. It’s considered an effective way to confront a person deciding to smoke or buy a tobacco product.
In November, States members will debate the use of pictorial warnings as part of measures to reduce smoking in the Island.
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 make that next step.”
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, 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.”
In 2003, the States of Jersey Tobacco Strategy committed to introducing legislative changes to reduce smoking levels. The Restriction on Smoking (Jersey) Law 1973 allows the States of Jersey to make further regulations about warning printed on cigarettes or tobacco products imported to or manufactured in Jersey.
Products with new picture warnings will not be on sale in January, the industry will have a 12 month implementation period once the regulations have been debated and approved.
gov.je