New tobacco legislation: retailers to be ‘named and shamed’

New draft legislation by the Department of Health aims to reduce the availability of tobacco while also limited when and where it can be sold, and other restrictions.

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New legislation proposed by the Department of Health will target the sale of tobacco products as well as the relatively new, very popular and somewhat controversial e-cigarettes and other “non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems”. According to the Department, the measures will reduce the prevalence of smoking, while also protecting minors by restricting access to tobacco.

A new annual licensing system for sale of tobacco will replace the retail register currently in operation, while a new licensing system for sale of e-cigarettes and similar products will be introduced.

Other measures in the proposed legislation include:

• A ban on the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines
• A ban on the sale of tobacco products from temporary units
• A ban on the sale of tobacco products and non-medical nicotine delivery systems by persons under 18 years of age
• Fixed penalty notices (on-the-spot fines) for offences such as sale to minors
• Publication of information regarding fines, penalties or other offences (‘name and shame’)
• Minimum suspension periods for retailers convicted of offences.

Commenting on the new proposed legislation, Minister of State for Health Promotion Marcella Corcoran said she is committed to a “Tobacco-free society by 2025,” and that she is committed to continue with regulations restricting access and exposure of both adults and children to tobacco products.

“The evidence is clear that when we take these measures, we see long-term benefits in improved health outcomes in the general population,” she added.

Read More: Dept of Health