Tobacco retailers deadline nears

Dublin: Tobacco retailers across the country have a deadline of next Thursday, October 1, to apply to register with the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), to continue selling tobacco.

Retailers who have not applied will not be legally entitled to continue selling tobacco after that date.

The legislation is part of a number of tobacco control measures being introduced this year and applies to retailers selling tobacco over the counter and through vending machines.

OTC chief executive, Éamonn Rossi said retailers can register online at www.tobaccoregister.ie or request an application form by calling 1890 333 100.

Mr Rossi said: “Initiation into smoking is largely a childhood phenomenon and we know from research conducted by the OTC that eight out of 10 Irish smokers commenced smoking in childhood or teenage years. Licensing of tobacco products in this manner demonstrates clearly that selling tobacco is a privilege, not a right.”