Smoke Ban For Under 18s

Cigarettes will soon no longer be sold to anyone under 18.

The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced that the age of sale of tobacco products will rise from 16 to 18 from 1 September 2008.

The Minister has taken the step in an attempt to reduce the level of smoking prevalence amongst children and young people in Northern Ireland, having received 90% support for the measure during public consultation.

Making the announcement, and following the approval of the NI Assembly today, Michael McGimpsey said: "It is clear that we must do all we can to deter our children and young people from taking up the smoking habit.

"Research has shown us that 79% of adult smokers in Northern Ireland took up the habit in teens and 11% of children between 11 and 15 here are regular smokers.

"These are startling statistics when we know the severe damage smoking can do to our health.

"Smoking kills - and I want that message to be heard loud and clear by our children and young people.

"They have their whole lives ahead of them and their years could be cut short if a smoking habit takes hold at a young age," he said, noting this is why he is increasing the age at which tobacco products can be purchased.

The Minister also outlined other measures he is taking to deter young people from taking up the habit.

He continued: "I understand that raising the age of sale will not, in itself, solve the problems of children smoking.

"It is one step along the way. Education programmes and promotional campaigns, highlighting the dangers of smoking, will of course continue.

"Our smoke-free legislation will also mean that children will now grow up in a society, free of being bombarded with people smoking around them in enclosed public places, making it less likely for them to take up the habit.

"I have also recently extended a Department of Health (London) consultation to Northern Ireland to seek views of the future of tobacco controls that are likely to impact on children smoking, including advertising at point of sale and access to tobacco vending machines.

"I would encourage interested parties throughout Northern Ireland to make their views known through this consultation," he concluded.

(BMcC)