Ireland - 80% of smokers want a ban on tobacco advertising in shops to stop youngsters starting the habit..

March 28, 2008 - Ireland - 80% of smokers want a ban on tobacco advertising in shops to stop youngsters starting the habit.. The survey showed that four in five smokers want a ban on tobacco advertising in shops to stop youngsters starting the habit. The study by the Office of Tobacco Control also found that almost half of shops said they were willing to sell tobacco to under 16s. (Half of shops sell cigarettes to minors, RTE News, 3/27/2008) The report was commissioned to help measure the implementation of new laws banning the sale of cigarette products to under-16s. Ireland's Minister of Health and Children Mary Harney said she shortly intended to limit the display and advertising of tobacco products in shops. Harney commented, "Children see tobacco almost invariably occupying the most prominent display space behind the counter of retail supermarkets, shops, newsagents and petrol stations. It is placed among a whole range of familiar products in these shops creating the impression that tobacco is much more socially acceptable and commonly used than is really the case”. Shops still selling cigs to minors by Deborah Condon,Irishhealth.com, 3/27/2008) See related news briefs: Further evidence that tobacco advertising in stores undermines attempts to stop smoking.. Click on image to enlarge..