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Menthol cig ban will hit smokers at the worst possible time says Forest
Tue 5th May, 2020
The imminent ban on menthol cigarettes has come at the worst possible time for smokers, say campaigners.
From May 20, 2020, it will be an offence for manufacturers to produce menthol cigarettes and for retailers to sell menthol cigarettes in the UK and throughout the European Union.
The ban also applies to hand-rolling tobacco with mentholated filters or papers if they are supplied together in the same product.
Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ group Forest which opposed the ban, said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on people’s daily lives. This is not the moment to prohibit a product many smokers enjoy and take comfort from.
“Given the current crisis, and the disruption and anxiety it is causing, the ban is going to hit consumers at the worst possible time.”
He added:
“We believe that a significant number of smokers are unaware of the forthcoming ban. They will be shocked when they find that their favourite brands are no longer available via legitimate retailers.
“The government is understandably preoccupied with more serious issues but imposing prohibition on so many consumers without a proper awareness campaign is inexcusable.”
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- Forest condemns Local Government Association call to ban smoking outside pubs, cafes and restaurants
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May
- Councils must prioritise help for local businesses not stop smoking services
- Menthol cigarette ban is a "gross restriction on consumer choice that will do nothing to stop children smoking"
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- Forest slams call for new rules on smoking outside pubs and cafes if government relaxes lockdown regulations
- Menthol cig ban will hit smokers at the worst possible time says Forest
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- Implying that smokers are a financial burden to society is "dishonest" and "economically illiterate" says Forest
- Ban on flavoured e-cigarettes would be a "massive own goal"
- Ireland: ‘Butt Out’ campaign aims to stop cigarette vending machine ban
- Poll: Public split on effectiveness of tobacco control laws
- Ban on flavoured e-cigarettes would be "criminal", says Forest
- Budget 2020: "Give smokers a break" says Forest Ireland
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- "A bin the butt campaign that ignores the importance of bins is a bit of a joke, to be honest."
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- Health minister should decline WHO award
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February
- Jury still out on plain packaging says Forest
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- Forest slams call for more cash to reduce adult smoking rate
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- "What next? Standardised packaging for alcohol and sugary drinks?"
- No public desire for plain packaging say campaigners
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February
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January
- Government must resist temptation to over-regulate electronic cigarettes, says Forest
- Government urged to publish plain pack consultation report "promptly" and "without further delay"
- Forest condemns decision to bring forward plain packaging legislation
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- Tory MP leads opposition to ban on smoking in cars
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- Register now if you want to change the smoking ban
- ASH awarded WHO medal on 40th "birthday"
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- Don't discriminate against smokers, Forest tells NHS
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