Probably zero effect. Smokers continue smoking regardless of everything thrown at them because it's ridiculously addictive. But you're right, it would be interesting to see the actual data.

[–] kaffiene@lemmy.world 13 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Smoking rates in NZ have reduced markedly and this is one of the many actions we've taken as a nation to get the numbers down. I'd think it has an effect thou probably more on reducing uptake

[–] Anticorp@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I think it's probably the rising cost and the increased outcast status of smokers that has had the biggest impact. That and vaping being an outstanding cessation method. It's really inconvenient being a smoker now.

[–] kaffiene@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Sure. But you said "zero impact".

[–] Anticorp@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I also said "probably". Who got who now? Gotcha!

[–] kaffiene@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

Touché :o)

[–] PM_Your_Nudes_Please@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

The ultimate goal is to prevent people from starting. Cessation is a secondary goal, and always has been. Because it’s much much easier to intercept an addiction before it starts.

That’s what this sort of display is trying to do. It’s not going to deter current smokers, because they already know what brand they like. But it will be very effective at stopping new people from starting.

[–] Anticorp@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Makes sense.

[–] Psythik@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

True, but I think the main point of plain packaging is to prevent people from becoming smokers to begin with.