European Parliament Okays Harsher Tobacco Rules

The agreement is built on a compromise reached late last year between the European Union and its member nations.

February 28, 2014

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Parliament has passed legislation that would implement stricter rules for tobacco, Reuters reports. The agreement follows a compromise reached in December by the European Union and its member nations.

“The new measures are big step forward for tobacco control, and will help to prevent the next generation of smokers from being recruited,” said Linda McAvan, a British EU lawmaker who pressed the measure in parliament.

The new regulations, which would impact about 90% of all tobacco products, will affix graphic photos and health warnings on 65% of front and back cigarette labels. Flavored tobacco products that have high sales would be outright prohibited, while popular menthol cigarettes would be gradually removed under a four-year plan.

Tobacco firms strongly opposed the measures, saying it reduces choice and would encourage smuggling. But EU lawmakers dismissed those concerns. “By ensuring that tobacco products look and taste like tobacco products, the new rules will help to reduce the number of people who start smoking in the EU,” said Toni Borg, EU health commissioner. The next step is for EU governments to come up with a final approval on the changes, which should be okayed March 14.

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