Public views sought on tobacco controls
The planned measures were approved by the Government last June and are in line with recommendations contained in Ireland’s policy on tobacco control – Tobacco Free Ireland.
They include the introduction of a licensing system for tobacco products and non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes.
It is proposed to ban the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines and mobile units or containers.
There will also be a ban on the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to young people under the age of 18.
Minimum suspension periods will be introduced for retailers convicted of certain offences under the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts and the proposed legislation.
The department’s tobacco policy is to move towards a tobacco-free society by 2025. In reality, this would mean a smoking prevalence rate of less than 5%.
The department is also seeking views on the introduction of on-the-spot fines for certain offences under tobacco control legislation.
It also wants the public’s opinion on the ‘naming and shaming’ of people caught breaking anti-smoking laws.
A consultation report will be prepared and published on the Department’s website. The 20-page consultation paper available to download at http://health.gov.ie/blog/noticeboard/tobaccoconsultation2014/.
Tobacco Free Ireland is available at http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/tobacco-free-ireland/.
The closing date for submissions is Friday January 16.
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