8th Sep 2008 15:23
8 September 2008
IMPERIAL TOBACCO GROUP PLC
RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF TOBACCO CONTROL
Imperial Tobacco Group has today submitted its response to the UK Government document: "Consultation on the future of tobacco control".
Gareth Davis, Chief Executive, said: "We agree with reasonable regulation and remain committed to working constructively with governments and other regulatory bodies around the world.
"However, legislation must meet the principles of good regulation by being proportionate, supported by compelling evidence and fit for purpose. In our view measures outlined in the UK Government's consultation document do not meet these criteria.
"This is particularly true of the proposal to prohibit the display of tobacco products and the suggestion that tobacco products should only be available in plain packaging as a means of reducing consumption.
"There is no credible evidence that young people start smoking or adult smokers continue to smoke as a result of the display of tobacco products or tobacco packaging. Banning the display of tobacco products and introducing plain packs would be hugely anti-competitive and would further fuel the illicit trade in tobacco.
"We will continue to strongly support practical measures to reduce youth smoking but remain opposed to disproportionate regulation that erodes adult freedom of choice and the right of retailers to display and sell a legal product."
Imperial Tobacco's full submission is available at: www.imperial-tobacco.com
ENQUIRIES
Alex Parsons (Head of Corporate Communications) +44 (0) 117 933 7241
Simon Evans (Group Press Officer) +44 (0) 117 933 7375
John Nelson-Smith (Investor Relations Manager) +44 (0) 117 933 7032
Nicola Tate (Investor Relations Manager) +44 (0) 117 933 7082
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