Ireland - as of July 1, 2009 no advertising or display of tobacco products will be permitted in retail outlets..

May 22, 2009 - On 29 March 2004, the Republic of Ireland became the first country to ban smoking in all indoor workplaces, including in restaurants and bars. The key next step was to focus on measures to protect young people by discouraging them from taking up smoking in the first place. To support this aim, point of sale advertising of tobacco products in retail premises is due to be removed from July 1, 2009.

Guidelines have now been published which provide retailers of tobacco products, including shops, licensed premises and registered clubs, with the necessary guidance in relation to the measures being introduced 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.

Self-service vending machines will be permitted in licensed premises or registered clubs only. They must be token activated and located within the view of a responsible member of staff.

Mary Cunningham, Director of the National Youth Council of Ireland: “Eighty-seven per cent of the public support a ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and communication as a means of discouraging young people from smoking. There is compelling evidence from research that children are influenced by this form of advertising. In this context, it’s worth noting that 80% of child smokers in Ireland smoke just two brands, the brands which happen to be the two most heavily marketed through the use of in-store displays.”

Reference: Minister Brady welcomes the publication of Guidelines for those selling tobacco products after 1 July next, Ireland Department of Health and Children, 5/19/2009; Compliance Remains High as Smoke-Free Workplace Marks Five Years - PROMOTING A TOBACCO FREE SOCIETY, Ireland Tobacco Control, 3/29/2009.

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