Table 1.

Actual justification of plain packaging

Plain packaging
Policy constructs			Justification
Political concern	Principle, criteria	Sub-principle, sub-criteria		Controversial	Non- controversial
Type of paternalism	Soft vs. hard				√
	Weak vs. strong			√
	Pure vs. impure			√
Respect for self-interests	Individual preferences	Empowerment			√
		Time endurance			√
Respect for others	The harm principle	Harm to others			√
		Harm to self		√
Nature of decision	High stake				√
	Irreversible	Addiction		√
		Consequence of action		√
Operational criteria	Efficacy	Causal		√
		Unintended side effects		√
	Proportionality	Means-end		√
		Material		√
		Relative		√

Overview of the extent to which plain packaging policy is justifiably paternalist within a liberal democratic framework, based on available scientific evidence.