Before the measure was introduced in December 2012, daily smoking prevalence stood at 15.1% and has now fallen to 12.8%, the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey reveals.
Standardised packaging is the only new policy intervention over this time period and health charity ASH believes it is the most likely reason for the significant fall in smoking prevalence.
The survey was conducted before the Government’s major hike in tobacco tax of 12.5% in December 2013.
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of health charity ASH said: “The UK government is currently consulting on standardised packaging before deciding whether to proceed and has asked for new and emerging evidence. Well here it is and it demonstrates a massive decline in smoking prevalence in Australia following introduction of standardised packaging. This is exactly the strong and convincing evidence the tobacco industry said was needed.”
In the UK, the government’s draft regulations on standardised packs revealed that the packs would be mainly white or drab brown.
Amanda Sandford, research manager, ASH, told Packaging News: “There’s no doubt the current packs are designed to be attractive. Now we have the mock up of the standardised pack, which shows the stark reality, there might be greater realisation of the consequences of smoking and hopefully more young people will be put off.”
Following the consultation, due to run until 7 August, the UK government could introduce standardised plain packaging for tobacco under the Children and Families Act 2014, ahead of next year’s general election.
“There’s a good chance,” added Sandford, “The consultation closes shortly and there is enough time before the general election for regulations to be passed.”
“I would like to think we are winning the argument. It is reasonable to assume that what has happened in Australia will also happen here.”
