The UK government on Monday launched a three-month consultation in which it will ask the public on their opininions on plain packaging for cigarettes.

"Through the forthcoming consultation we want to hear as many views as possible about whether tobacco packing should remain unchanged, plain packaging should be adopted or a different option should be considered," Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. 
Despite claims from some opponents that he has already decided to introduce plain packaging, Lansley has repeatedly insisted he is keeping an open mind on the proposal.
The consultation period will end on 10 July, and responses are invited from any interested parties.
Imperial Tobacco opposes the plain packaging of tobacco products. “Our trademarks are protected by law and we have a fundamental right to differentiate our brands from those of our competitors," stated the company. “Tobacco packaging has never been identified as a reason why people start to smoke or continue to smoke."
Imperial also said it was concerned about the impact plain packaging will have on illicit trade.
The move toward plain packaging comes after bans on vending machine sales, increasing the age at which a person can legally buy cigarettes and the ban on smoking in public places. (pi)