Europe strikes at smoking

Images would warn smokers of a variety of health risks

By Europe correspondent Angus Roxburgh

The European Parliament has given final approval to tough new anti-smoking laws which will force tobacco manufacturers throughout the EU to print large health warnings on all cigarette packs.

The legislation also reduces tar levels and outlaws terms such as "mild", or "light", which suggest one brand is less harmful than another.

The days of glamorous cigarette packs with obscure health warnings are over

Catherine Stihler

When the new rules come into force in September next year smokers throughout the EU will be given a shocking warning of the health risks every time they pick up a pack of cigarettes.

A third of the pack will be devoted to a stark black and white warning such as: "Smoking Kills" compared to minimum warnings of just four percent of the pack in the EU at present.

National governments are also given the option of obliging manufacturers to include shocking colour pictures of the health effects of smoking, such as rotting teeth and blackened lungs.

The law bans the use of terms which can mislead consumers into thinking cigarettes are safe.

It also reduces maximum tar levels from 12 to 10 milligrammes per cigarette.

Many MEPs are delighted.

Labour's health spokesman at the Parliament, Catherine Stihler, said the legislation dealt a significant blow to the tobacco industry.

The days of glamorous cigarette packs with obscure health warnings are over, she said.