A consultation into measures that would see cigarettes displayed with plain printed labels has been delayed, ministers said today (December 15th 2011).
Health secretary Andrew Lansley and the Department of Health confirmed that meetings will not get underway to discuss the possibility of introducing plain packaging until spring 2012, rather than this winter as previously planned.
This comes as Australia prepares to be the world's first country to put tobacco products in generic packets, something Mr Lansley is keen to see happen in Britain in order to cut the number of young smokers.
The review in spring will be UK-wide and will involve ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as an independent review.
James Lowman from the Association of Convenience Stores told The Grocer he does not want to see printed labels altered in this way.
"Generic packaging for tobacco products will create a significant burden for local shop retailers," he added.
Denny Bros Ltd, 16 December 2011
