I WELCOME the council’s recent announcement that they are one of the first signatories to the local government declaration on tobacco control, which primarily will restrict big tobacco’s influence in the formulation of public health policy.

While this should be applauded, only central government has the power to introduce legislation to further the assault on this pernicious trade.

The tobacco companies need to recruit 750,000 new customers every year to replace those who quit and die through smoking-related diseases – they do this by targeting the young.

Their support for programmes to discourage underage smoking serves them well, as it reinforces the notion smoking is an adult activity and impresses on teenagers their first cigarette is an initiation to adulthood.

Tobacco is the only product on sale today which if used correctly will more than likely kill you.

If it was a new product and a company wished to bring it to market, it would be shocking if they were allowed to do so.

Through increased awareness of the dangers posed by tobacco, and the introduction of legislation to prohibit smoking in the workplace and in indoor public areas, rates have now fallen to an extent where non-smokers are a large majority of the population.

Further actions to restrict tobacco use would have wide support and measures such as the standardisation of packaging should be introduced without delay.

Baz Buchanan, Teal Drive, York.