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Bid to ban tobacco displays starts today
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
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Northern Ireland politicians will today be asked to back a proposal which will see sweeping changes to the way tobacco products are sold throughout the province.
Last month, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the Health minister was hoping to ban the display of tobacco products in shops and he intends to bring his proposals to the Assembly today for their approval.
If successful, the move could also see a crackdown on regulations regarding tobacco vending machines. Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer said the implementation of such laws will have a major impact on the fight to reduce the numbers of children who smoke.
It is hoped that the new legislation could be in place by the middle of next year.
Welcoming the proposals, Dr Michael McBride said: “According to research, 9% of children aged between 11 and 16 in Northern Ireland smoke regularly and these children are three times more likely to die from a smoking-related illness than someone who started smoking in their 20s.
“We can make a difference here. We can reduce the pain, suffering and prevent deaths in Northern Ireland. We know that somewhere in the region of 2,300 people die each year as a result of smoking. It is the largest single cause of preventable death and avoidable illness here.”
Speaking ahead of today’s Assembly debate on the issue, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he was confident he will receive the necessary backing from MLAs.
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Cancer Research surveyed 11 year olds on the issue of putting cigarettes out of sight. Why should 11 year olds dictate how adult buy their cigarettes?
Posted by chas | 06.05.09, 09:39 GMT
I see that the Assembly has voted to bring in the ban. What's the betting that it will not reduce the smoking rate for youngsters.
Posted by chas | 03.03.09, 18:22 GMT
I read that in Iceland the number of children fell by lots after they put tobacco under the counter. Although, the same article said the tobacco industry were lying saying it had made no difference.
Shame on them when this could save lives.
Posted by Sophie | 03.03.09, 17:04 GMT
Displays are clearly advertising and they have no place in the shops our kids buy sweets in.
Removing displays will make no difference to whether I buy fags or what I buy as I always get the same. I hate my habit and if children can be prevented from making my mistakes I am all for it.
As I see it this law would stop the tobacco companies marketing the evil weed and that must be a good thing.
Posted by Mark Hutton | 03.03.09, 16:59 GMT
good idea
Posted by brielle | 03.03.09, 16:22 GMT
CCM, the subtlety may have escaped you however any attempt to reduce their customers does harass the 'corporates'. That is the whole purpose of the exercise!
Posted by Fred | 03.03.09, 16:06 GMT
get off the backs of ordinary people and start harassing the corporates that are taking this country to our eternal demise
Posted by ccm | 03.03.09, 11:31 GMT
Such bans have not worked in other countries. Even in New Zealand, which is one of the most anti-smoking countries in the world, the Government said it would have little effect on smoking rates for youngsters.
Posted by chas | 03.03.09, 09:25 GMT