New standardised tobacco packaging laws welcomed in the North West

Sefton Council and Healthier Futures (Formerly Tobacco Free Futures) have welcomed a change in tobacco packaging laws.

From May 20, tobacco made for sale in the UK will have to be sold in drab green packaging with dramatic visual health warnings.

The new regulations, which received overwhelming support from North West MPs are also backed by the public; YouGov data shows that 63% of people in the North West of England support the laws, which will help protect the next generation of children and young people from starting to smoke.

The new packs are required under the Standardised Packaging Regulations, secondary legislation under the Children and Families Act 2014. There will be a one year transitional period to allow for the sell-through of old stock, so from May 2017 all tobacco products on sale in the UK will comply with the Regulations.

The new law comes into effect at the same time as the revised European Union Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "We welcome the changes in law to tobacco packaging and standardisation of tobacco products.

"Sefton Council hopes to encourage and support those wishing to stop smoking, with the help of Sefton’s Stop Smoking Service. They are a friendly team of specialist nurses, advisors and support workers who have the advice needed to help create a healthier future."