Barack Obama gets tough on US tobacco habit

As an ex-smoker who struggled to kick his occasional habit, the President said he is anxious to see the new legislation imposed as soon as possible.

It would give health chiefs powers to limit nicotine in cigarettes and ban flavoured products aimed at enticing young people to smoke, as well as regulating advertising.

Cigarettes marked as "light" or "low tar" will be banned and tobacco companies will not be allowed to say any of their products are less of a health risk.

Rules on sales to minors will be toughened and warning labels are likely to carry even starker messages about the dangers of smoking.

Crucially, the legislation forces the tobacco companies to seek approval for any new product in the same way drugs companies must before they market a new item.

Anti-smoking groups welcomed the move to give the US Food and Drug Administration control over tobacco products.

Mr Obama said the move "will make history by giving the scientists and medical experts at the FDA the power to take sensible steps".

He added: "At any given moment, millions are struggling with their habit or worrying about loved ones who smoke. My administration is committed to protecting our children and reforming our health care system."

Smoking kills more than 400,000 people a year in the US and is estimated to cost the health system more than £75billion.