NI Bans Sales Of Tobacco From Vending Machines

The sale of tobacco from vending machines is now prohibited across Northern Ireland. The ban has been introduced to prevent under-age sales to children and to support adults who are trying to quit.

Just over 8% of 11 to 16 year olds in Northern Ireland are current smokers and 14% of these children claim that vending machines are a usual source of tobacco. Children who smoke, are three times more likely to die from cancer than those who take up the habit in their twenties.

Health Minister, Edwin Poots said: "Reducing smoking prevalence is one of the biggest challenges we face in public health. Over 300,000 adults in Northern Ireland still smoke and it causes around 2,300 deaths each year.

"The majority of smokers start while still in their teens. These children are becoming addicted to using tobacco well before they are of an age where can make an informed adult choice. Cigarette vending machines are often unsupervised and present an easy option for children wishing to purchase cigarettes. By banning them we are removing that option and hopefully preventing young people from taking up this life-limiting habit."

(CD/GK)