Overview

This bill mandates that tobacco manufacturers print health warnings directly onto individual cigarettes and rolling papers in the UK. The aim is to further deter smoking by making health consequences more visible and prominent.

Description

The Cigarette Stick Health Warnings Bill requires all cigarette sticks and rolling papers sold in England, Wales, and Scotland to be plain white with a matt finish. Each cigarette must display one of several standardized health warnings printed lengthwise in red Helvetica font.

The warnings, listed in a schedule, rotate annually and include messages about the health risks of smoking (lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema), the financial costs, and encouragement to quit. The bill specifies the font, size, and color of the text. The Secretary of State can amend these requirements via statutory instrument which must be approved by both Houses of Parliament. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring a proportion of each warning is printed across their production. Penalties for non-compliance include imprisonment and/or fines. Enforcement will be carried out by weights and measures authorities.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost of enforcement by weights and measures authorities would likely represent an indirect cost to the government, although precise figures are not included in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Tobacco Manufacturers: Significant changes to production processes and packaging will be required, leading to potential increased costs.
• Smokers: Will be directly confronted with health warnings on each cigarette, potentially influencing smoking habits.
• Weights and Measures Authorities: Responsible for enforcing the legislation, requiring additional resources and personnel.
• Retailers: Will need to ensure compliance from suppliers.

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