Judgment reserved on interpretation of tobacco rewards

The High Court has reserved judgment on whether a district court judge was correct in her interpretation of the law when she dismissed a prosecution against tobacco manufacturer PJ Carroll for giving vouchers to shop staff as a reward for promoting its cigarette products.

The company denied charges brought by the HSE of giving or causing to give financial assistance to the Spar retailer in Dublin City University, and to one of its shop assistants, on an unknown date between Jul 1 and Sept 31, 2009, in consideration of the promotion of a tobacco product.

On Jul 1, 2009, all advertising of tobacco products was banned in retail shops. Sponsorship of tobacco products is also banned.