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Menthol cigarettes will be banned from UK stores as new laws come into place to clamp down on smoking in 2020.

Smokers will be unable to purchase both menthol and skinny cigarettes, as well as rolling tobacco, from May 20 when the laws come into force.

The ban, stemming from new EU Tobacco Product Directive laws, is a bid to deter young people from taking up smoking by outlawing cigarettes with a 'characterising flavour' other than tobacco, as reported by the Liverpool Echo .

Tobacco and cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris, responsible for brands including Marlboro, appealed unsuccessfully to the European Court of Justice to see the ruling overturned.

The plan to phase out flavoured cigarettes completely has seen new laws already restrict the sale of menthol cigarettes to packs of 20 only.

(Image: Getty Images)

The charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) said the ban will stop the production and sale of any filters, paper, packaging, capsules or other component containing flavouring in cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.

It also extends to 'technical features' which would allow consumers to modify the 'smell, taste, or smoke intensity' of the product.

Amanda Sandford, of ASH, said increasing the price of cigarettes and stopping the sale of smaller packets have made smoking less appealing.

She added that banning menthol cigarettes could deter more younger people from smoking, saying: "It is naturally hard to inhale smoke and for many the first time they smoke it is repugnant, but people persevere with it and that's when they become addicted.

"There is evidence that menthol cigarettes relax the airways and the flavour masks the harshness of the smoke, therefore younger people find it easier to smoke.

"However, it is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you.

"All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes."