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Tobacco Products Sale Will Be Stricter Than Before

Published on July 30, 2008 2:48 AM

The Department of Health has proclaimed that beginning with July 1, 2009, the tobacco products sale will be stricter.

Starting with that date, the wholesale premises will be banned from displaying tobacco products or from carrying any in-store advertising of these products. Merchants will have to introduce closed containers, which dispense the tobacco products.

According to the department, the location of prominent tobacco displays in retail outlets plays a role in promoting tobacco consumption.

The Department of Health reported that the tobacco displays placement in proximity to everyday consumer goods such as newspapers and sweets helps tobacco to be seen as another benign consumer product.

Researchers added that tobacco advertising at the point of sale is a key factor in a young person starting smoking.

The new rules, which are included in the Public Health Acts 2002 and 2004, also allow for tighter controls on the location and operation of tobacco vending machines. These machines will only be permitted in licensed premises or registered clubs, where they will be activated by a symbol.

A register of tobacco retailers will be also introduced.

Mary Wallace, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety, 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-normalize tobacco and protect both children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption."

According to the over-the-counter (OTC), 16% of 12-17 year olds smoke even though it is illegal for them to be sold tobacco products.

The new rules for sale of cigarettes are designed to be lenient towards vendors who are trying to comply with the law, but may have had an accidental sale.