All cigarettes sold in Guernsey will have to come in plain packaging from August next year.

Branding will be banned on all tobacco products.

Health and Social Care has made the rules which are aimed at preventing the promotion of smoking to young people.

Product names will have to be presented in a standard font, size and colour and trademarks, logos, colour schemes and graphics will not be permitted by law.

The same restrictions are being proposed in Jersey, meaning products sold across the Channel Islands will look the same.

The regulations will come into effect on 31 July 2021 and there will be a one year 'sell-through' period for cigarettes and loose tobacco to allow the industry time to change products and sell existing stock.

The grace period for other tobacco products (cigars and cigarillos) will be two years.

"As tobacco advertising and promotion is largely prohibited, packaging has become the main source of promotion for the industry and is targeted towards young people. Implementing plain packaging is therefore an important public health measure to see a reduction in the uptake of smoking in the years to come.” - Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care.

Guernsey's States says 16% of deaths in Guernsey and Alderney are attributable to smoking, which equates to approximately 86 people dying every year.

Guernsey’s free stop smoking service, Quitline, is available to support anyone who would like to give up smoking. Quitline can be contacted on 01481 233170 or email: [email protected]