Plain paper packaging for tobacco products given the green light
The High Court ruled today (15 August 2012) that the proposal to enforce plain paper packaging on tobacco products is not unconstitutional. Several large tobacco companies had argued against the plain packaging laws because of the impact they alleged that it had on the value of their brands, amounting to an acquisition of property not on "just terms" in breach of the Australian Constitution.
The High Court has not delivered the reasons for its ruling at this stage.