The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), marking 50 years since it first addressed tobacco use in the UK, said more stringent restrictions are needed to reduce a smoking rate that has stabilized at one in five adults.

“There is much more that can and must be done to rid society of the harm caused by smoking”, said RCP. UK smoking restrictions are among the world’s strictest.
Despite high excise taxes, cigarettes in the UK are more affordable than they were in 1965, and the smoking rate has “stalled” at 21 per cent in recent years, the report states. The use of tobacco packaging to promote brands and mislead consumers remains unchecked, the report states.
RCP also called on authorities to tackle the “contentious” issue of safer alternatives to smoking, for example allowing the use of snus as a smoking substitute. Snus currently are banned in most of the European Union.
Innovative nicotine delivery products also can reduce hazards associated with smoking, states the report compiled from papers delivered at a March conference. UK smoking regulations are among the world’s strictest. (ci)