Australian Study Shows Display of Cigarette Packs is Harmful

Date: 22 November 2007

Statement from ASH Ireland – Thursday 22nd November 2007
Australian Study Shows Display of Cigarette Packs is Harmful

An Australian study to be published next week has determined the myth that cigarette pack displays in retail outlets are harmless.

The study finds that smokers who are trying to quit are more likely to purchase cigarettes when confronted with cigarette pack displays in retail stores.

Professor Luke Clancy of ASH Ireland said today, “We have just received a synopsis of this study and it will be of immense value when published. Not surprisingly the study has found that tobacco product display is a key form of promotion. In fact this form of promotion has grown in importance for the tobacco industry as other forms of advertising are now banned in many countries”.

Professor Clancy went on to say, “ASH Ireland in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation, recently made a submission to the Department of Health on the government plans to have a complete ban of tobacco advertising and promotion in retail stores. It is a comprehensive submission and fully in keeping with the spirit of our legislation. We have stressed the need for precise timelines on when this important ban is to be introduced – and this important Australian study confirms once again our fears of harmful effects by publicly displaying tobacco products and therefore the danger in any delay in implementing the provisions in the Public Health Tobacco Act 2004”.

Further information contact:

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman, ASH Ireland, 086 8364337
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01 6680530, 087 247 1520

The Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation fund ASH Ireland