Tobacco advertising - Still dying for a smoke

WE ARE at the time of the year when very many people try to take some of the health advice so freely given today and improve their lifestyles.

Some will try to confront the deadly habit and give up smoking and those who take the plunge should get every support and encouragement.

Smoking is directly linked with 5,700 deaths a year in this country but in-store advertising, films and television still prompt young people to take up the habit.

An estimated one in four teenagers from 15 to 18 years of age smoke, although the ban on sale of 10-packs was aimed at making it more difficult for teens to afford them. Despite the campaigns and the smoking bans some young people imagine themselves immune to the health risks — why else would they start?

Last night the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) urged Health Minister Mary Harney to ban advertising of cigarettes on display behind shop counters. “Despite current restrictions large numbers of pre-teens are still starting to smoke,” warned INTO general secretary John Carr.

It seems daft that teachers should have to beat the drum about young people and smoking. We have shown we are prepared to accept legislation controlling cigarettes so why not take the INTO advice and ban the ads as a gesture of support to those trying to kick the habit in the new year?