The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has a long history of trying to prevent and reduce the damage to health caused by smoking, beginning with its groundbreaking report in 1962. Several of the policies recommended then by the RCP have become established international practice. Following the 2002 ban on Tobacco advertising and the introduction of smoke-free legislation in 2007, the prevalence of smoking in the UK has fallen, but there is still much to do to protect children from the damage caused to one’s health by smoking.
The Health Bill
The Health Bill 2008 which is currently passing through Parliament includes measures to prohibit retail display of tobacco products and restrict or prohibit the sale of tobacco from vending machines. Strong evidence showing that tobacco advertising encourages children to smoke was the justification for the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act (TAPA) 2002. Since this Act was passed point of sale displays and cigarette packaging have become the most prevalent remaining form of advertising for tobacco products. Tobacco vending machines are disproportionately accessed by children and young people. Prohibiting retail display will lead to an estimated 2,800 fewer young people taking up smoking each year.
The RCP believes there should be a complete ban on tobacco retail displays; that tobacco vending machines should be prohibited; and, in addition, are calling for the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products, with only the name, product content information, consumer information and health warnings required under the law, displayed on the packet.
For more information on the College’s position on the Tobacco measures introduced under the Health Bill please refer to: