Tobacco Display Ban Begins in Ireland
A tobacco display ban came into force in Ireland yesterday. Ireland is the first EU nation and third country in the world (after Canada and Iceland) to ban the display of tobacco products.
Under the toughened rules on tobacco sales no advertising or displays of tobacco is permitted in shops; tobacco must be stored out of view; vending machines are banned except in pubs and clubs; and retailers must display signs warning tobacco can only be sold to over 18s.
The new laws also forces retailers to only use a card of pictures to inform smokers what tobacco they sell and shopkeepers must also register with the Office of Tobacco Control.
MPs will cast their votes in the House of Commons next week on a proposed tobacco display ban for England and Wales as part of the Health Bill.