Ireland - tobacco display ban came into force on July 1, 2009..

July 2, 2009 - Shops are no longer allowed to display tobacco products or tobacco advertising as part of the ban – the first of its kind to be introduced in Europe.

Irish retailers have campaigned for their right to display tobacco products since the proposals were first announced in 2001, believing the move would have a detrimental effect on small businesses.

MPs will cast their votes in the House of Commons next week on a proposed tobacco display ban for England and Wales as part of the Health Bill.

“It is disappointing that Ireland has gone ahead with this measure, particularly after retailers raised concerns that it would fuel the increasing black market, place a massive burden on shops, and do nothing to curb youth smoking,” said Ken Patel, national spokesman for the Tobacco Retailers Alliance.

"We hope that rather than follow Ireland's lead, the House of Commons votes against the ban and follows the example of New Zealand, where a decision to ban tobacco displays was dropped because of a lack of international evidence it would reduce youth smoking.

Reference: Tobacco display ban begins in Ireland, Beth Phillips, thegrocer.co.uk, 7/2/2009.

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