20/05/2016
Cancer Charity Welcomes 'Plain' Packaging Of Cigarettes And Tobacco
A cancer charity in Northern Ireland has welcomed new legislation to introduce the 'plain' packaging of cigarettes.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland said it supports the new legislation which means cigarettes and tobacco will no longer be sold in bright packs, but in green packages.
The legislation comes into force today, 20 May.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus NI, said: "We've been campaigning for this legislation for many years and are delighted to see it come into effect at long last.
"The new standardised packaging legislation will help safeguard many children and young people from the devastating effects of smoking and will encourage adult to stop.
"Most smokers started while they are still children. Seventeen local children become smokers every day and we it's vital we stop the tobacco industry from recruiting yet another generation to use this deadly product."
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "The introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes and tobacco products is another welcome step towards helping protect people from the dangers of smoking.
"I played a key role in driving the Tobacco Products Directive which brought about this change through the European Parliament.
"This will mean all new tobacco packets will be dark green instead of the previous individual brand colours and will feature graphic images of the deadly impact of smoking.
"Research has shown that young people between the ages of 11 and 16 are more susceptible to tobacco advertising than any other age group and this latest restriction will remove one of the last remaining advertising methods."
(CD)
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland said it supports the new legislation which means cigarettes and tobacco will no longer be sold in bright packs, but in green packages.
The legislation comes into force today, 20 May.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus NI, said: "We've been campaigning for this legislation for many years and are delighted to see it come into effect at long last.
"The new standardised packaging legislation will help safeguard many children and young people from the devastating effects of smoking and will encourage adult to stop.
"Most smokers started while they are still children. Seventeen local children become smokers every day and we it's vital we stop the tobacco industry from recruiting yet another generation to use this deadly product."
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "The introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes and tobacco products is another welcome step towards helping protect people from the dangers of smoking.
"I played a key role in driving the Tobacco Products Directive which brought about this change through the European Parliament.
"This will mean all new tobacco packets will be dark green instead of the previous individual brand colours and will feature graphic images of the deadly impact of smoking.
"Research has shown that young people between the ages of 11 and 16 are more susceptible to tobacco advertising than any other age group and this latest restriction will remove one of the last remaining advertising methods."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2011
Ballymena Cigs Factory Accident Probed
An investigation is under way after a man was injured in an industrial accident in Ballymena yesterday. Machinery fell on the man as it was being serviced.
Ballymena Cigs Factory Accident Probed
An investigation is under way after a man was injured in an industrial accident in Ballymena yesterday. Machinery fell on the man as it was being serviced.
06 August 2012
DUP Politicans Clash Over Tobacco Packaging
TWO senior DUP politicians have clashed over plans to bring in plain tobacco packaging, the News Letter has reported. Health minister Edwin Poots has endorsed the Westminster plan for plain standardised tobacco packaging, but North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the idea was "ludicrous".
DUP Politicans Clash Over Tobacco Packaging
TWO senior DUP politicians have clashed over plans to bring in plain tobacco packaging, the News Letter has reported. Health minister Edwin Poots has endorsed the Westminster plan for plain standardised tobacco packaging, but North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the idea was "ludicrous".
16 April 2012
Talks Begin For Plain Packaging On Tobacco
Health Minister Edwin Poots has lent his support to a UK-wide consultation on whether tobacco products should be sold in standardised, or plain packaging.
Talks Begin For Plain Packaging On Tobacco
Health Minister Edwin Poots has lent his support to a UK-wide consultation on whether tobacco products should be sold in standardised, or plain packaging.
23 January 2014
NI In Line For Plain Cigarette Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK law that will see plain packaging introduced for tobacco products. It was initially feared that the Executive would miss a deadline set by the government to pass a motion allowing Westminster the power to act on behalf of Northern Ireland.
NI In Line For Plain Cigarette Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK law that will see plain packaging introduced for tobacco products. It was initially feared that the Executive would miss a deadline set by the government to pass a motion allowing Westminster the power to act on behalf of Northern Ireland.
03 February 2015
NI To Adopt Tobacco Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in UK-wide regulations on standardised packaging for cigarettes and tobacco. Health Minister Jim Wells said: "Smoking remains the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland. Half of all smokers will be killed by their use of tobacco products.
NI To Adopt Tobacco Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in UK-wide regulations on standardised packaging for cigarettes and tobacco. Health Minister Jim Wells said: "Smoking remains the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland. Half of all smokers will be killed by their use of tobacco products.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.