ASH IRELAND SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT WESTLIFE ARE TO PERFORM AT TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPONSORED CONCERT

Date: 29 September 2011

ASH IRELAND SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT WESTLIFE ARE TO PERFORM AT TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPONSORED CONCERT

ASH Ireland is surprised and disappointed that Westlife has agreed to perform at a concert in Jakara, Indonesia next week, Wednesday 5th October, which is sponsored by Clas Mild cigarettes. A billboard advertising the concert can be viewed on the Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=283041778375454&set=a.164265880253045.38965.164043623608604&type=1&theater

It is well established the tobacco industry target music festivals in countries all around the world, as a way of marketing their killer product.

We recognise the efforts of Westlife and its members in their work to support charitable causes, but they should understand that their link to an event, which is sponsored by the tobacco industry, is going to boost tobacco sales and present tobacco and smoking as a normal activity.

Close to 6,000 people will die from tobacco related disease in this country each year and over €1Bill is spent each year in treating the related diseases by our health services. It is estimated that 1 billion people will die from tobacco related disease in the world this century.

Smoking is not a normal activity; one in two people who smoke will die from the effects of smoking

ENDS

For contact: Young Communications, 087 2471520

ASH IRELAND, 01 6599451