Tobacco laws come into force this May.
As of May 20, customers will no longer be able to buy packs of ten cigarettes or small packs of cigarettes and mints.
The rules were introduced last May, however stores were given an extra year to prepare and clear out inventory.
New rules:
- 10-cigarette packs are no longer sold.
- Packages of rolling tobacco weighing less than 30g are prohibited.
- Flavoured cigarettes, such as cherry or vanilla, will be banned.
- Cigarette packaging will be printed with images of the harmful effects of cigarettes on health.
- The cheapest pack of cigarettes will cost £8.82 (about 260,000 VND).
The laws are designed to reduce the number of people smoking. Campaigners say reducing the sale of menthol and flavoured cigarettes will prevent young people from taking up the habit.
Amanda Sandford from ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), told the Hull Daily Mail: “Cigarettes are already very expensive and rising prices are a major factor in people giving up smoking.”
“By eliminating the small packs of ten cigarettes, consumers will be forced to pay more for a pack. This will have a major impact on low-income smokers, especially young people.”
“Having to deduct £3 or £4 (about 118,000 VND) for a pack of ten cigarettes doesn't seem to affect buyers much, they still have change left after buying.”
“But when they have to spend £6/£7, or even £9, they will be forced to think about whether they really need this pack of cigarettes.”
She also said that using plain packaging with warning pictures would make cigarettes 'less appealing'.
Vapers are also affected by these new regulations. Stores will be limited to certain items.
From May 20, manufacturers need to know:
- Before products can be put on the shelves, all e-cigarette devices and essential oils must be registered with the Drug and Healthcare Products Administration.
- The maximum capacity of an RTA must be less than or equal to 2ml.
- Essential oils are not sold in quantities greater than 10ml.
- Nicotine contained in essential oils must not exceed 20mg/ml - Unless registered as a pharmaceutical product.
- Essential oil bottles must have child-safe caps and be clearly labeled.
- Add some stricter labeling requirements.
Anyone caught breaking the law faces up to two years in prison or a huge fine.
CigElectric believes that changing the maximum nicotine strength will not help smokers quit the habit. They also believe that reducing the maximum tank capacity will eliminate many types of products.
“Expect a shakeup of the industry with many small businesses forced to close, reduced product supply to the market, and increased product costs,” CigElectric said on its personal blog.
Author: Claire Reid - ladbible.com
Translator: The Vape Club
