Standardised cigarette packaging is on its way, will it reduce smoking?

A new systematic review of existing studies suggests it will reduce smoking, but long-term impacts of standardised cigarette packaging are still unknown

Standardised packaging for cigarettes was first introduced in the UK in May last year. Tobacco companies were forced to stop producing branded packs, but were still allowed to sell off existing stock. From 21 May 2017, that must stop too. Fancy, colourful, unique branding on cigarette packets will be completely replaced by uniform olive green boxes, larger health warnings, and brand names written in the same size and font, regardless of make.

These changes are the latest in a long line of regulations designed to make smoking less appealing, particularly to teenagers - two-thirds of long-term smokers will start before they're 18 years old. But is there evidence to support the effectiveness of such packaging?