Smoking License in England

MiB Press Release:
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DoH (Department of Healthcare) announces the start date for the "Smoking License". From Midnight 2nd January 2008 the Smoking License comes into affect, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Smoking License is an Annual License applicable to all Adults (both sexes) over the age of 17 Years and under the age of 85 Years.

The Smoking License covers the legal right for an adult to Smoke in the United Kingdom which automatically covers smokers with compensation from the Tobacco industry for any Smoking related Health Issues. A percentage of revenue from the Smoking License goes towards the TIC (Tobacco Industry Compensation) Scheme which is also self funded by the Tobacco Industry for the assistance of Smokers.

A small amount of money from each packet of cigarettes sold goes towards the TIC scheme, whose members include British American Tobacco Ltd, Gallaher Ltd and Imperial Tobacco Ltd. In addition to contributing to the TIC Scheme, the Smoking License also covers Smokers rights for free access to Regional Independent Hospices with a guarantee to getting a bed if the need arises.

The Annual Smoking License can be obtained and paid for in the same way as you pay the Television License, at all Post Offices, Tobacconist and Newsagents. The current Fee for 2008-09 is £76 for a Cigarette Smoker, £89 for a Cigar Smoker and £95 for a Pot Smoker. Discounts are available for Households which register more than one Smoker at a discount of 15% per Person.

Also announced Today is the implementation of the "Covenant of Life Seal" which was passed into Law by Parliament last Summer. The C of LS Act makes it mandatory for all Tobacco Manufactures who sell in the United kingdom market place to fix and additional plastic seal on every packet of cigarettes sold in the UK. The Seal when broken forfeits the Rights of every Smoker to automatic access to NHS Services attributed to the action or indirect action of Smoking. This will mean that Smokers will no longer get equal access to NHS Services locally or nationally in the UK.

©2007 MiB (Ministry of Information and Bullshit)