Retail Tobacco Legislation introduced on 1st July 2009 will help in the fight against tobacco

Date: 30 June 2009

ASH IRELAND WELCOMES RETAIL TOBACCO LEGISLATION

ASH Ireland welcomes the introduction of legislation banning tobacco advertising and promotion and a range of other measures, in retail outlets, which comes into effect from tomorrow, 1st July 2009.

Dr Angie Brown, Chairperson of ASH Ireland said today, “This is important health legislation and we ask all retail outlets to ensure compliance so that children all around the country can be protected. Over the years retail outlets had become a major source of advertising and promotion for the tobacco industry and this of course allowed the industry bombard our children and make them feel comfortable with tobacco. Thankfully this is all about to change”.

This is another first for Ireland in the fight against tobacco and our Government is to be complimented on this initiative. Compliance will of course be a major factor and hopefully there will be little requirement to enforce this health legislation – and all involved will respond appropriately.

It is imperative that we do not become complacent about tobacco, as close to 30% of our population still smoke and close to 7,000 people die from tobacco related disease annually. We are dealing with an industry, which is prepared to invest heavily in the marketing and promotion of a killer product – and we must be forever creative and thorough in seeking ways to combat this.

ENDS

Further information contact:
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01 6680530, 087 2471520
Valerie Coghlan, ASH Ireland, 01 2310521