A SMALL number of specialist tobacco shops will be be exempt from new regulations coming into force today which prohibit the advertising and display of tobacco products in all retail outlets.
The new provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 mean shops will have to store cigarettes in closed containers out of sight of customers.
There will also be tighter controls on cigarette-vending machines, which will only be allowed in licensed premises and registered clubs, must be operated by tokens and must be located within the view of a responsible member of staff.
The new regulations will be enforced by environmental health officers working for the HSE. Anyone found displaying cigarettes or advertising them in-store will now be liable for a fine of up to €3,000 or up to six months in prison or both.
As a result of the new measures, all those currently selling tobacco products, whether over the counter or from a vending machine, must register with the Office of Tobacco Control before October 1st.
The specialist tobacco shops, which the Department of Health says number fewer than six, will have to apply for an exemption from the provisions of the new regulations.
Minister of State for Health Áine Brady, who has responsibility for health promotion, said research had shown tobacco advertising at the point of sale was a key factor in a young person starting to and continuing to smoke.
“Commencement of these provisions will further denormalise tobacco and protect both children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption,” Ms Brady said.
The anti-smoking lobby group ASH Ireland said the new measures were another first for Ireland in the fight against tobacco.
“Compliance will, of course, be a major factor and hopefully there will be little requirement to enforce this health legislation – and all involved will respond appropriately,” ASH said in a statement.
“It is imperative that we do not become complacent about tobacco, as close to 30 per cent of our population still smoke and close to 7,000 people die from tobacco-related disease annually,” it added.
However, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents has urged the Government to review the ban on displaying tobacco products.
Martin Mulligan, district president of the organisation, said it would not protect children from tobacco advertising and would only lead to increased movement on the black market.