02 January 2008
MEDIA RELEASE 3rd January 2007 The Public Health Departments of Jersey and Guernsey have combined forces in their ongoing battle against tobacco. As a result, a joint island consultation was launched today to determine which picture warnings should appear on tobacco packs in Jersey and Guernsey. The consultation will last from 3rd January until 28th February.
The public in both islands are being asked to choose the most suitable picture warnings which will be displayed on all tobacco products. A website has been set up where a library of picture warnings can be viewed. The public will be asked to register their view on which pictures they feel will have the most impact on smokers. Following the exercise, a definitive set of 13 images will be identified that will help prevent people dying early from smoking related diseases.
Cigarette and tobacco packets currently carry written health warnings. Research suggests that using pictures on the product increases the impact. The consultation will help select a set of images which have a real impact in reducing the number of people who smoke by showing the dangers associated with tobacco addiction.
The evidence from other jurisdictions including Canada and Brazil is clear – graphic picture warnings inform people of the risks of smoking, encourage people to reduce their smoking or quit altogether and they can also help to reduce the number of young people who take up smoking.
Head of Health Improvement at the Public Health Department, Andrew Heaven, said:
“Placing picture warnings on tobacco products is the latest local Public Health action to try and reduce smoking in Jersey. I believe that the introduction of picture warnings locally is an important step in reducing the number of young people taking up smoking and add to the numbers of Islanders who are trying to quit”.
Many organisations will be contacted directly in order to seek their views but comments on the proposals are equally welcomed from members of the public.
People can view the picture warnings and register their views on this website by clicking here from 3rd January until 28th February
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Heaven, Head of Health Improvement
Tel: 443902; E mail: a.heaven@health.gov.je
or
Robert Wareing-Jones, Tobacco Control Officer
Tel: 443725, E mail: r.wareing-jones@gov.je
gov.je