Six new smoking laws coming into force during this month

NEW laws that will affect smokers are being introduced in the next few weeks.

With smoking related illnesses costing the NHS millions it’s hoped the new rules will encourage people to quit.

As a result you won’t be able to buy smaller packets of cigarettes or roll up tobacco.

Menthol cigarettes will also start to be gradually phased out and packaging will change.

Some flavoured cigarettes and tobaccos will also be made illegal and the cost of packets are also set to rise.

Experts believe smaller packets and menthols make it easier for people to smoke.

The legislation will fully come into force on May 21 – almost a decade after the original smoking ban.

How is the law changing on cigarettes and tobacco?

You will not be able to buy smaller packets of cigarettes.

Smaller bags containing less than 30g of roll up tobacco will also be banned.

By May 21, the cheapest packet of cigarettes will cost £8.82.

Menthol cigarettes, which experts say have often been aimed at beginner smokers, are being gradually phased out.

Cigarette packets are set to be plain, with graphic images which show people the impact that tobacco has on health.

Some flavoured cigarettes and rollyour-own tobacco, including fruit, spice, herbs, alcohol, candy or vanilla, will also be made illegal.

It’s hoped fewer smokers will be able to start because of the changes. Why is this happening? According to the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), phasing out menthol cigarettes will deter younger people from smoking.

Amanda Sandford, of Ash, hopes the new rules will make smokers think twice about spending money on cigarettes when the price of a packet hits them hard in the pocket.

She said: “Cigarettes are already expensive and the price increase of cigarettes is a key factor in making people quit smoking.

“So by removing the packet of 10 cigarettes this means people will have to find that extra money for a packet. It will hit poorer smokers harder, who are usually younger smokers.

“Paying £3 or £4 for a packet of ten cigarettes at the moment might not seem so much to people and still leave them with change in their pockets.

“But when you have to spend £6/£7, even £9, people may think, ‘Do I really need this packet?’” Why is the packaging changing? Ms Sandford said: “This is to make smoking less appealing.

“There is evidence that from the changes that have already been made to packaging that it has made people quit smoking.

“And that is because people are faced with very harsh health images every time they pick up a pack of cigarettes.

“All packaging will have a plain green background with a very dominant health warning image on them.”

The brand name will be written in a standard font, size and location and the new health warnings will cover 60 per cent of the pack.

Are menthol cigarettes better for you than standard cigarettes?

Ms Sandford said there is evidence to suggest that menthol cigarettes make it easier for people to smoke.

She said: “It is naturally hard to inhale smoke and for many the first time they smoke it is repugnant, but people persevere and that is when they become addicted.

“There is evidence that menthol cigarettes relax the airways and the flavour masks the harshness of the smoke, therefore younger people find it easier to smoke.

“However it is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you.

“All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes.”

Ms Sandford said: “E-cigarettes are a different product and there are currently no plans in place to stop the different flavours that are available.

“People that use e-cigarettes are usually already smokers so if they are now using e-cigarettes that is much better for them.

“We know that they are not risk-free, however, and research is still going on into the long term effects of using them.

“Some flavours can be more problematic but it is not possible to say for sure at this time, which.”