Ireland Plans Further Clampdown on Cigarette Sales

Source from:  afp.google.com DUBLIN (AFP) 10/08/2007

Irish shops are to be banned from displaying cigarettes and other tobacco products under a further government move to clampdown on smoking, the health ministry said on Friday. There will also be a ban on all in-store advertising of cigarettes, said Health Minister Mary Harney. Tighter controls on the location and operation of cigarette vending machines are planned as part of the introduction of laws that have been already passed by parliament but so far not implemented. In a statement, the ministry said the introduction of the new measures "will have practical implications" for retailers, distributors and manufacturers. "In this regard, submissions are invited from interested parties in relation to the timescale for the commencement of these provisions. "Submissions in relation to the specific measures will not be considered, as the measures have already been enacted in legislation". Earlier this year, Ireland banned the sale of packs of 10 cigarettes and sweets that resemble tobacco products as part of efforts to discourage children from starting smoking. Since 2001, it has been illegal for cigarettes to be sold to under 18s in Ireland but research has found that 16 percent of children between 12 and 17 years are smoking. In March 2004, Ireland outlawed smoking in every workplace including pubs and restaurants and even on fishing boats and in company cars. Anyone found breaching it faces a fine of up to 3,000 euros (4,250 dollars) and pubs run the risk of ultimately losing their licence. It is estimated that over 6,000 people die each year in Ireland from smoking-related diseases. Enditem