Minister of State Aine Brady
Ms Áine Brady T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and
Children with special responsibility for Older People and Health Promotion, has welcomed the commencement of further provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 with effect from today, Wednesday 1 July 2009.
The key provisions being commenced are;
ban on all in-store/point-of-sale advertising of tobacco products,
ban on the display of tobacco products in retail premises,
ban on all tobacco sponsorship
introduction of a closed container / dispenser provision,
tighter controls on the location and operation of self-service
tobacco vending machines,
introduction of a retail register for tobacco retailers.
From 1 July 2009, no advertising or display of tobacco products will be
permitted in retail outlets. The location of prominent tobacco displays in
retail outlets plays a role in promoting tobacco consumption. Its placement
in proximity to everyday consumer goods such as newspapers and sweets helps
tobacco to be seen as another benign consumer product. Research shows that
tobacco advertising at the point of sale is a key factor in a young person
starting and continuing to smoke. If young people can be prevented from
purchasing tobacco products there is less chance they will become addicted
and suffer a smoking related illness. Restricting advertising will also
support adults who are trying to quit.
The Minister said “Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of
preventable death in Ireland. Each year almost 7,000 people die prematurely
from the effects of tobacco and thousands of others become ill because of
tobacco-related diseases. Commencement of these provisions will further
de-normalise tobacco and to protect both children and adults from the
dangers of tobacco consumption.
