I was watching an episode of Lovejoy (1986-1994) recently and noticed how in a supermarket Cigarettes were openly for sale at the checkout. How things have changed! Today no Cigarette advertising whatsoever is permitted in shops; no posters, not even the logo of the brand, so not even a box showing outwards from behind the counter. Indeed in a pub that I frequent the classic World War I era metal signs decorating the walls - for mostly defunct brands - have been removed. Is that publican being too severe on himself? or is he selling the signs on eBay to boost falling incomes.
I think he was only following the law. The Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002, as amended in 2004 controls the sale and advertising of tobacco. This legislation largely gives effect to EU laws. In particular, Section 33 of the 2002 Act, as amended by section 5 of the 2004 Act prohibits advertising of tobacco products and section 43 of the 2002 Act as amended by section 14 of the 2004 Act, requires vendors to ensure that tobacco products are kept in a closed container that is not accessible and indeed not even visible to customers. These sections and took effect on 1 July 2009. All of this new legislation is aimed at stopping smokers before they start, an admirable goal. However it is important to note that Cigarettes can still be purchased if you know what to ask for. While I don’t smoke I believe others should be allowed to if they want - just not indoors of course.
It is note that while public advertising is verboten, trade advertising is not, and rightly so, no Government has the right to regulate the contents of private communications. Here is an anonymised recent communication from Cigar wholesaler.
Comments