Cigarettes To Go 'Under The Counter'

Cigarettes are to disappear from view across all NI's shops.

The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has confirmed plans to remove cigarette displays in shops in a move to prevent underage access.

The move is said to be a further step aimed at reducing the level of smoking amongst children and young people in Northern Ireland and reflects plans recently announced in England and Wales.

Northern Ireland was included in the Department of Health (London) consultation on future tobacco controls in May 2008.

The proposals to remove tobacco displays in shops, and for tough action to restrict access to vending machines, received strong support.

Confirming the proposals, the Minister said: "Following the introduction of the ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco, retail displays have grown in size and prominence.

"Research has shown that young people are particularly susceptible to tobacco marketing at point of sale and are more likely to take up smoking as a result of exposure to such marketing. I feel that it is time to put a stop to this.

"My goal is to protect children from smoking and I believe that this is a strong opportunity to do just that," he said, noting that smoking is a life-threatening habit.

Once approved, the Department and local councils will work with relevant organisations in order to provide support, and to minimise any burden on business.

The Minister continued: "The new measures will also impact on vending machines which are currently a common and easily accessible source of cigarettes for young people.

"I plan to use the change in legislation to further restrict access to these machines by those aged under 18."

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and Member of the Health Committee, Sue Ramsey has welcomed the move by the Health Minister to remove cigarette displays by 2010.

"I recently wrote to the Health Minister to enquire whether or not the legislation brought through Westminster would be extended.

"I welcome the fact that the Executive have now approved this measure and hope that it will pass through the Assembly with ease," she said.

(BMcC/JM)