European MEPs have voted today to tighten tobacco regulations in an effort to deter young people from smoking. The voting took place at the European Parliament's first reading of the tobacco directive draft which will become law in 2014. However they rejected a European Commission proposal to classify electronic cigarettes as medicinal products. Menthol and flavoured cigarettes will be banned, but not for five years, and slim cigarettes will continue to be sold as MEPs voted to allow them.
A measure the MEPS agreed to introduce was the addition of health warnings on 65% of each cigarette pack, although the proposed covering was 75%. Currently, just 30% on one side and 40% on the other must be covered with warnings. There will be further negotiations with the Council before a second vote takes place before the May 2014 European elections. Once the legislations are agreed upon, all 28 EU countries will have to enforce them as law.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
