In November the British Medical Association renewed their call for a ban on printed cigarette packaging. This prompted me to reminisce over the cigarette advertising from my youth, the amazingly emotive posters of both the Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut brands. Despite the restrictions of the time, these ads remained stunning works of abstract art modern advertisers and artists will never again achieve.
In 1998 a phased ban on cigarette advertising began, ending in a total ban in 2003. Before the 2005 general election the Labour party manifesto promised a ban on smoking in all public places that serve food only. After the general election an outright smoking ban was implemented - never trust a politician...
Pubs are now closing at a rate of 39 a week. A World Health Organisation study into the effects of passive smoking found that the risk of a non smoker getting lung cancer after being exposed to smoke is - in their words - "a statistically insignificant 0.01%". The ban has been seen by many as an assault on their civil liberties and freedom to decide for themselves if smoking is worth the risk and extortionate taxes demanded for the habit.
The BMA's moves to ban printed cigarette packaging comes after a report into Ireland's ban on all point of sale advertising. The report states that "there were no short-term significant changes in prevalence among youths or adults", clearly stating that the Irish ban has had little effect on cigarette sales. Despite this contradiction the BMA and powerful anti-smoking lobbyists are pushing ahead with their demands. Judging by the history of cigarette advertising they are very likely to achieve their goals.
It almost makes me want to take up smoking, almost...
The BMA's moves to ban printed cigarette packaging comes after a report into Ireland's ban on all point of sale advertising. The report states that "there were no short-term significant changes in prevalence among youths or adults", clearly stating that the Irish ban has had little effect on cigarette sales. Despite this contradiction the BMA and powerful anti-smoking lobbyists are pushing ahead with their demands. Judging by the history of cigarette advertising they are very likely to achieve their goals.
This, to me, is a tragedy. I have many friends working for design companies, proofing and mockup houses who rely on tobacco companies for their livelihood. This ban would overnight rob them of their jobs and security, and rob our industry of skills, crafts and disciplines we should all be proud of. This is not just an ill conceived attack on our liberties, but an attack on an industry already at its knees through no fault of its own.
It almost makes me want to take up smoking, almost...
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