Under laws that come into effect this December, Australia will become the world’s first country to require cigarettes to be sold in drab olive packets with graphic health warnings and no logos. The laws are tipped to trigger an “olive revolution”, with similar measures being considered in Britain, Canada, New Zealand, China, France, India, South Africa, Norway and Uruguay.
Australia’s High Court on Wednesday knocked back a challenge by British American tobacco, Philip Morris, Imperial Tobacco and Japan Tobacco. The companies claimed the laws unlawfully extinguished the value of their trademarks without providing compensation. The court has not yet released its reasons but published its finding yesterday and awarded costs against the tobacco companies.
The decision was hailed by the Gillard Government as a “massive victory” which would save lives and help reduce smoking rates. It clears the way for the government to ban all brand marks and logos on cigarette packets from December 1. The packets will feature large graphic health warnings while the brand name will be written in a small generic font.
“This is good news for every Australian parent who worries about their child picking up an addictive and deadly habit,” said the Attorney-General, Ms Nicola Roxon.
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“This will only improve the government’s ability to defend strongly any actions that are taken in international forums.”
via Australia upholds world’s toughest law on tobacco packaging – Telegraph.