Packs of 10 get stubbed out

IT will be illegal to sell cigarettes in packs of 10 from midnight tomorrow.

Anti-smoking group ASH Ireland welcomed the ban but warned it would not be enough to discourage teenagers from smoking.

The campaign group wants cigarettes to be priced beyond the reach of young people.

“Significant price rises will have a greater impact on smoking,” said ASH Ireland spokesperson Dr Fenton Howell.

Dr Howell said many young people had a greater disposable income these days and would not be deterred from paying about €7 for a packet of 20 cigarettes.

The Irish Cancer Society said the ban was a very important step in the struggle to prevent young people from starting to smoke and encouraging those who do smoke to stop.

A spokesperson said smaller packs were particularly attractive to younger smokers as they were less expensive than larger packs and easier to conceal from parents and guardians.

And while it has been illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 18 since 2001, one out of five 15 to 18-year-olds smoke, a recent study by the Office ofTobacco Control (OTC) shows.

Its research also shows that 76% of under-age smokers buy 10-packs and thatalmost 80% of smokersstarted to smoke beforethey reached the age of18. nThose wanting support and advice on quitting smoking can call the National Smokers Quitline at 1850 201 203.