Cancer Research UK Annual Review 2011/12

Annual Review 2011/12 | 41
Taking tobacco out of the picture
‘The answer is plain’ is part of our
ongoing work to reduce the harm
caused by tobacco. We’ve played a
major part in securing the ban on
tobacco advertising, smoke-free
workplaces, and laws to remove
cigarette vending machines and
tobacco displays in shops. Displays
were banned from supermarkets in
April 2012 and small shops will follow
from April 2015.
Why do we need plain packs
From a young age, people choose
brands that say something about
who they aspire to be – they help
create identity. Cigarette marketers
exploit this, pitching some brands,
for example, at fashion conscious
young women.
Our research shows that plain
packaging makes children feel more
negatively towards cigarettes, and
smoking in general. Selling cigarettes
in standardised plain packs will help
reduce their appeal, giving children
one less reason to start.
‘Backing this campaign is one of the
most important things I can do,’ says
Jim. ‘I feel I’ve been given a second
chance. I want to help prevent other
people going through what I have
because they’re tempted by a glitzy
cigarette packet that makes smoking
look normal or, even worse, cool.
I’ve spent thousands of pounds on
a habit that was slowly killing me.
There’s absolutely nothing cool
about that.’
Join the campaign at
theanswerisplain.org
cancerresearchuk.org