Menthol cigarettes to be phased out within weeks ahead of complete ban
The ban also includes skinny 'lipstick-style' cigarettes and flavours such as vanilla and strawberry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Menthol and flavoured cigarettes are to be phased out within weeks ahead of a complete ban in 2020 in another piece of bad news for smokers.
Under new tobacco laws, menthol cigarettes will only be sold in packs of 20 from May 21 as part of a longer plan to phase out the flavoured cigarettes entirely by 2020.
The complete ban also include skinny "lipstick-style" cigarettes and flavours such as vanilla and strawberry.
The phase out began last May when cigarette packaging was standardised under new rules designed to prevent young people taking up the habit.
Tobacco companies were given a year to sell old stock and fully implement the changes under the directive,
Amanda Sandford of health charity Action on Smoking Health (ASH) welcomed the ban.
“There is evidence that flavourings, and menthol in particular, can mask the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for young people to smoke,” she told The Independent.
Chancellor Philip Hammond in his Spring Budget on Wednesday revealed the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes would rise by 35 pence.
A new minimum excise duty is also separately being introduced on cigarettes from the 20th May based on a packet price of £7.35, meaning that smokers will not be able to buy a pack of cigarettes for less than £8.82.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments