MARLBORO has been accused of trying to sidestep new laws on plain packaging by selling cigarettes in reusable tins that look like an old-style packet of ten.

They have appeared in shops on the eve of new rules coming into force from this weekend which state retailers can no longer sell cigarettes in packs of less than 20 and cartons must all be the same drab green with the brand name in standard type.

3 Marlboro has been selling ten-packs of cigarettes in a special reusable tin on the eve of a ban on branded packaging Credit: Tobacco Control Research Group/University of bath

After Saturday these tins will no longer be sold, but critics claim smokers will still use them by decanting fags from larger cardboard packets - allowing them to continue carrying a branded pack of 10.

MPs and campaigners say it is a "trick" so the brand remains on show in people's pockets, while the smaller size appeals to younger people and casual smokers who the new law is aimed at.

The durable tins of ten cigarettes cost the same as a normal ten-pack carton.

They are printed with the Marlboro logo and carry the warning message "Smoking kills" but no deterrent pictures of smoking-treated illness as required under the new laws.

Manufacturer Philip Morris sent the tins to convenience stores and chains including Sainsbury's, Budgens and Londis in the run-up to the ban tomorrow, reports the Guardian.

The gimmick was called "genius" as smokers in online forums vowed to use the tins as cigarette holders and refill them from cardboard cartons.

3 New packs from this weekend will have to feature the product name in a standard font below a huge health warning Credit: Getty Images

Marketing expert Dan Thornton said in a blog: "Most smokers will still feel slightly cooler taking out a branded Marlboro tin and refilling it from the non-branded packs than having to take out a dull green pack with a large diseased lung on it."

But Karen Reeves-Evans, of the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, said: “By offering packs of ten in reusable tins, Philip Morris International is knowingly increasing the lifespan of packs of ten and promoting its brand if smokers decant their cigarettes into these small branded tins.

"The fact that these tins appeared almost immediately prior to the branding and size restrictions coming into force is suspicious.”

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Labour MP Alex Cunningham said: “It’s against the whole spirit of what’s intended with the plain packaging legislation.

“The tobacco companies will stop at nothing in order to retain their branding and sell a product that everyone knows has such tremendous health risks. It’s an immature trick.”

Philip Morris said it made the tins before May 20 last year when manufacturers were no longer allowed to produce branded packs.

The law gave them a 12-month grace period to sell any packs made before the cut-off.

Philip Morris said: “A small number of tins of Marlboro 10s were produced in full compliance with the law and distributed to retailers well in advance of the new plain packaging legislation deadline.

“Our focus is on developing reduced risk alternatives for adult smokers as part of working towards a smoke-free future.”

Rival tobacco firm JTI Gallaher has also issued aluminium tins for its Benson & Hedges, Mayfair and Camel brands in the run-up to the plain packaging laws coming into force in Ireland - a move described as “extremely cynical” by former health minister James Reilly.

Sweeping new regulations coming into force this weekend are meant to deter smoking.

Smaller packets of cigarettes will be banned, discouraging younger and poorer people who will now have to shell out a minimum £8.82 for a pack of 20.

3 Under previous regulations, fag packets had to carry a warning but there was no restriction on branding or size Credit: Getty Images

Bags of roll-your-own tobacco less than 30g are also banned along with some flavoured tobacco.

All logos are banned and names of brands are restricted to small lettering in a standard typeface.

At least 65 per cent of the front and back of packaging must be given over to graphic health warnings.

There are also new restrictions on e-cigs.

Tanks must be no more than 2ml and the nicotine strength of liquids cannot be more than 20mg per ml and there must be a 30 per cent health warning on the front and back reading: "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance."

Menthol fags are to be outlawed by 2020.

Simon Clark of smokers' group Forest said: "The new regulations treat adults like naughty children. They infantilise consumers by attacking freedom of choice and personal responsibility.

"There's no evidence they will have the slightest impact on public health."

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