Department of Health officials conducting the consultation on merits of cigarette plain-packaging are ignoring research showing the decision to stop smoking is based on other factors, according to British American Tobacco (BAT).

Plain-packaging is not a relevant factor in prompting smokers to quit, illegal and likely to boost the illicit cigarette trade, BAT said in its response. The tobacco company issued an accompanying statement on 9 August and published its 132-page response with supporting documents on its website.
“We oppose plain packaging for many credible reasons, “ BAT said in its statement. “We believe the arguments against plain packaging are overwhelming. In particular, we are concerned that the Department of Health’s research into the potential benefits of plain packaging relies on insufficient and unreliable evidence that fails to prove the crucial link between packaging and any reduction in smoking.”  (ci)