HEALTH : TOBACCO DIRECTIVE: MENTHOL CIGARETTES TO BE BANNED.

The European Commission has followed through with its threats on packs and cigarettes that are too "attractive". On 19 December 2012, it adopted a legislative proposal that would spell the end of king size and menthol cigarettes and would further regulate packaging. "This proposal aims to deter young people from starting to smoke. In particular, we hope to reduce the number of smokers by 2% by better informing them and by helping them make the right decision. As for whether they will make that decision, that is their choice," said the new Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg. The proposal for a directive was passed on for approval to the European Parliament and the Council. The EP's Committee on the Environment and Public Health (ENVI) will organise a preliminary public hearing on the topic on 25 February.

The most obvious change is that the Commission is proposing to better regulate the appearance of cigarette packs. Currently, all member states have introduced written health...