UCF Welcomes Tobacco Sales Move

A leading NI cancer charity has welcomed news that regulations to control point-of-sale advertising for tobacco products and ban sales from vending machines in Northern Ireland have eventually gone to public consultation.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) Head of Cancer Prevention, Gerry McElwee, (pictured) said: "These measures will restrict the tobacco industry’s efforts to turn today's children into tomorrow's addicts.

"Two thirds of smokers take up the habit before they reach adulthood. So smoking is not an adult choice but a childhood addiction.

"UCF are delighted that, after a long delay, this consultation has now begun. UCF plan to intensify our public campaign during the consultation period.

"We urge the public to support these measures and so protect our children from a future of ill health and premature death," he said.

The consultation on regulating the display and sale of tobacco products was launched today by the Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey.

The consultation will seek views on banning the display of tobacco products by retailers and the prohibition of sales of tobacco products from vending machines.

Mr McGimpsey said: "I am committed to reducing the number of children and young people who take up smoking in Northern Ireland.

"Children are particularly susceptible to tobacco marketing and are more likely to take up smoking as a result of exposure to it.

"By introducing measures banning cigarette displays in shops, we are protecting our children and young people, and we are also supporting those smokers in our society who are attempting to quit."

It is proposed to introduce the regulations relating to tobacco displays at point of sale in shops from 1 July 2011 and in vending machines from 1 October 2011.

The Department's Chief Medical Officer, Dr McBride added: "This new legislation is necessary if we are to remain one step ahead of the tobacco manufacturers. Tobacco companies constantly look for new ways of promoting their products, often in ways that are attractive to young people and to those on lower incomes amongst whom smoking rates are highest.

"The display gantries in shops are now the chief means by which tobacco companies do this. It is our job in the Department to ensure that the health of the population is protected, which is why I fully support putting tobacco products firmly out of sight."

The consultation is available on the DHSSPS website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/current_consultations.htm and will last 12 weeks from 1 October 2010 to 24 December.

(BMcC/GK)