Ireland - further provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 are to be commenced on 1 July 2009. .

July 17, 2008 - Ms Mary Wallace T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety, today (Wednesday, 9th July 2008) announced that further provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 are to be commenced on 1 July 2009. The key provisions being commenced are:

• ban on all in-store/point-of-sale advertising of tobacco products,
• ban on the display of tobacco products in retail premises,
• introduction of a closed container / dispenser provision,
• tighter controls on the location and operation of tobacco vending machines,
• introduction of a retail register for tobacco retailers.

A survey showed that four in five smokers want a ban on tobacco advertising in shops to stop youngsters starting the habit.

Reference: Minister Wallace announces date for removal of all point-of-sale advertising for tobacco products, Dept. of Health & Children, 7/9/2008.