Tobacco advertising - What took us so long?

A ban on the advertising of tobacco in retail shops comes into effect today. Cigarettes must henceforth be placed in closed plain containers behind the counter, while cigarette machines will have to be token operated within sight of the bar manager in pubs. They can no longer be hidden away in hallways or toilets.

The legislation, which is designed primarily to protect children, should be warmly welcomed. Similar legislation has already been enforced in Canada and Iceland.

Ireland is the first EU nation to ban the display of tobacco products. In some respects this country has taken a magnificent lead in dealing with tobacco, but it has been a long road. People should be asking why this latest move has taken so long?