SOUTHAMPTON cigarette giant British American Tobacco (BAT) has threatened legal action over Government plans to force companies to use plain packages.
BAT, the world’s second largest cigarette manufacturer, criticised the proposal by health secretary Andrew Lansley to ban branded packs in a bid to deter young people from taking up smoking.
A BAT spokesman told the Daily Echo: “We wouldn’t rule out legal action if the Government decides to pursue this. We think it’s an ill thought out policy that could backfire.”
The spokesman said it could result in a rise in counterfeit and foreign cigarettes being smuggled into the country.
BAT, which manufactures the Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall brands, employs 1,200 in Southampton.
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