Tobacco Plain Packaging

Significant drop in Australian smoking since plain packs introduced.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson has welcomed a significant drop in smoking rates in Australia, where tobacco plain packaging was introduced in 2011.

Figures published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show the number of daily smokers dropped from 15.% to 12.8% between 2010 and 2013. This represents a 15.5% drop, the biggest decrease since 1991.

The average age at which smokers have their first cigarette has also increased – from 15.6 in 2010 to 16 in 2013.

Mr Matheson said: 

"Here in Scotland we are clear that plain packaging is the right thing to do. It is a bold step, but to build a generation free from tobacco, it is necessary to restrict the imagery and design that is used to encourage people – in particular young people - to use these addictive and lethal products.

"The fact that Australia, which introduced the policy in 2011- has just recorded the biggest fall in smoking rates for at least 23 years demonstrates how effective that this measure can be in discouraging people from taking up the habit.

"The Scottish Government has led the way in the UK in this area and we remain absolutely committed to the introduction of plain packaging. These figures support the recent progress on this issue at a UK level. However, should Westminster fail to introduce it on a UK-wide basis, we are determined to legislate in Scotland."