ICMOA criticises tobacco control report

The Irish Cigarette Machine Operators (ICMOA) has critisised the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC)-commissioned report carried out by Joe Durkan and Moore McDowell.

Gerry Lawlor, spokesperson for the ICMOA said: "We can have all the reports and the economists you like, but all you have to do is look at real life and the severely damaging effect the ban has had on business life in New York.

"No amount of theory will compensate for the fact that this ban will damage businesses."

Members of the ICMOA plan to stock their vending machines with a range of herbal cigarettes, which the public are allowed to smoke in pubs as they are exempt from the smoking ban.

The ICMOA is made up of business people who represent over 90% of cigarette machine vendors.