Packet of 20 Death cigarettes, London, England, 1999

Packet of 20 Death cigarettes, labelled: 'Manufacturer's advice: Cigarettes are addictive and debilitating. If you don't smoke, don't start. Death is a responsible way to market a legally available consumer product which kills people when used exactly as intended. Death cigarettes: For an honest smoke', made in the EC under the authority of The Enlightened Tobacco Company Plc, London, c.1999.

The maker of ‘Death’ cigarettes, The Enlightened Tobacco Company, advertised them as an “honest smoke”. The company was founded in 1991 but was dissolved eight years later. Printed on the reverse of the packet is this message:

“A packet of Death cigarettes leaves no doubt as to the risks of smoking… Death is a responsible way to market a legally available consumer product which kills people when used exactly as intended.”

Health warnings on cigarettes packets were introduced in Europe in 1991 and have to be clearly visible, covering a certain percentage of the packaging.