Packet of 20 ‘Death Light’ cigarettes, England, 1999

Packet of 20 Death Lights 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, England, 1999

Printed on the reverse of this 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.”

More highly visible health warnings on cigarettes packets were introduced in Europe in 1991. These had to cover a certain percentage of the packaging. The maker of ‘Death Lights’ cigarettes, The Enlightened Tobacco Company, advertised their cigarettes as an “honest smoke”. The company was founded in 1991 but was dissolved eight years later.