FED:Tobbacco giants oppose plain packaging

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
FED:Tobbacco giants oppose plain packaging

Tobacco giants in Australia have slammed the federal government's proposed legislation
on plain packaging .. saying there's no credible evidence it will reduce smoking.

But the government in New Zealand has welcomed the move .. and says it's considering
following in Australia's footsteps.

Philip Morris .. Imperial Tobacco and British American Tobacco Australia have criticised
the announcement made by Health Minister NICOLA ROXON .. saying the proposed plain packaging
has not been introduced in any country in the world .. and there is no evidence to support
the government's claim that this will reduce smoking.

The companies say plain packaging will destroy their trademarks and is a violation
of numerous international trade laws .. and some argue plain packaging would fuel the
illicit trade in tobacco products.

AAP RTV ih/tr/wz

KEYWORD: TOBACCO REAX (SYDNEY)

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