Banning the branding

Forcing cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging will help deter young people from taking up the habit, says the MP pushing the plan. Cabinet has agreed in principle to introduce a plain packaging regime in line with Australia, depending on the outcome of a public consultation process. The plan is aimed mainly at discouraging young smokers, and I think it's a good idea. The tobacco companies can make some stupid arguments like "a Government prohibition on a company's right to use their own intellectual property constitutes property removal and sets a disturbing precedent for businesses throughout New Zealand," but this is actually about keeping their poison out of people's mouths. Young people only get hooked on that rubbish because of the packaging.