Health News
Ireland bans sale of cigarettes in packs of 10
May 31, 2007, 13:23 GMT
Dublin - Ireland has banned the sale of packs of 10 cigarettes in an attempt to cut the number of teenagers smoking, reports said Thursday.
The ban, which came into effect at midnight Wednesday, was based on research that showed three quarters of Irish young people who smoked bought them in packs of 10, national broadcaster RTE reported.
The ban also applies to sweets made to look like tobacco products.
Retailers who sell packs of 10 cigarettes or cigarette-like confectionery now face a fine of up to 3,000 euros (4,033 dollars) or three months in prison, but there would be a grace period to allow retailers to get rid of stocks, RTE reported.
Tobacco expert Professor Kenneth Warner told RTE that cigarette manufacturers target the 10-pack at young people and that the Irish tobacco industry needs 50 young people to take up smoking every day to replace those dying or quitting the habit.
Others have said the ban on smaller packs will result in smokers smoking more.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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