Tobacco sponsorship and advertising ban proposed

A health department consultation plan that sets out proposals designed to reduce smoking contains proposals for a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, it was revealed today.

The Action Plan, which has been released for a three-month consultation period, tracks the Westminster government's commitment that sufficient time will be provided for the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill to complete its remaining stages in the current Parliamentary session.

Should the bill, which is currently being scrutinised in the Lords, become law without amendments, not only would advertising hoardings be banned in the high street but the sponsorship of major sports events in return for brand exposure would also be banned.

Advocates of smaller locally staged sports events have argued that the banning of such sponsorship would spell the end to many events in the sporting calendar.

The Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey has told the assembly that he would "like to see tobacco advertising eliminated entirely from motorcycle road racing".

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland with around 3,000 deaths each year. The Health and Wellbeing Survey 2001 found that 29% of adults smoke – 30% males and 29% females. The Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitudes Survey 2000 found that 35% of 11-16 year olds had smoked, with most smoking for the first time at age 12.

Ms de Brun said: “Smoking kills around 3,000 people here every year and the plan sets out a programme of action to tackle the appalling loss of life and ill-health caused by smoking.”

Ms de Brún stressed that the plan was the product of a partnership approach involving departments, Health and Social Services Boards, Education and Library Boards and local councils, together with the voluntary and community sectors.

She added: “Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of premature death and avoidable illness, and my executive colleagues share my view that we must address the suffering and hardship it causes to thousands of families.”

The Action Plan will address issues such as changing the public’s perception of tobacco use, helping smokers to quit and protecting the public from tobacco smoke.

It will also identify a ban on advertising and sponsorship as a key component of the objective to prevent children adopting the smoking habit.

Since 1999, the health department made almost £3 million available for the development of smoking cessation services and to enable the Health Promotion Agency to develop a public information campaign.

A telephone helpline service will be available later in the year.

The Department has invited comments on the Plan by not later than Friday 15 November.

(GMcG)