Japan Tobacco International (JTI) launched a GBP 2 million (EUR 2.5 million) campaign against plain-packaging for cigarettes, the company said in a statement.

National publications this past weekend carried the opening salvo which targeted government and decision makers. Later on the focus will shift to consequences of plain packaging on consumers and businesses, JTI said.
“The campaign will underline misconceived and outdated notions surrounding smoking and discuss better ways and solutions which deserve to be considered.  Plain packaging is a concern that goes far beyond tobacco,” JTI said. Consultations on the merits of plain packaging conducted by the Department of Health are not based on available evidence and ignore government guidelines on better regulation, JTI said.
Several countries including the UK are considering adoption of plain-packaging as a way to make cigarette smoking more unattractive. Australia plans to implement the world’s first plain-packaging law late this year.  (pi)