Mary Wallace, Minister of State at the Department of Health, announced that point-of-sale advertising of tobacco products will be removed from all of the country’s retail outlets.

The ban on in-store advertising will come into effect on 1 July 2009, as a further provision of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004.
From this date on, no advertising or display of tobacco products will be permitted in retail outlets. All tobacco products must be out of view and stored within a closed container or dispenser only accessible by the retailer.
Self-service vending machines will be permitted in licensed premises or registered clubs only. They must be located within the view of a responsible member of staff.
“Commencement of these provisions will further de-normalise tobacco and protect both children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption,” Harney said.
Research shows that tobacco advertising at the point of sale is a key factor in a young person starting and continuing to smoke.
The legislation will be enforced by the Environmental Health Officers of the Health Service Executive. (pi)