Menthol Flavour in Cigarettes Banned, Australia News

South Australia is moving to ban displays for a new type of menthol cigarette, fearing they appeal to young smokers. The new cigarettes have a small capsule in the filter which bursts when squeezed, releasing a menthol flavour. Three brands using the idea have recently been released in South Australia. 'This new product has a futuristic, modern design and packaging and is being targeted at the youth market,' Health Minister John Hill said. 'We know that menthol and other flavourings make smoking more palatable to new smokers and I believe these new capsule cigarettes pose a particular risk to young people and new smokers.' Under current SA regulations only specialist tobacco retailers can show product displays for cigarettes and even they will be banned from 2015. But Mr Hill says he has asked for the regulations to be amended so all displays of the new menthol cigarettes are banned immediately. He says a ban on display will inhibit the ability of tobacco producers to advertise the availability of the new products and can be implemented under current legislation.