Having been established after a report on tobacco - which we all agree is now a harmful subsyance - The “Office” received statutory status in May 2002, with the enactment of section 2 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002.
Their website lists the functions as
1. To advise the Minister for Health and Children, and assist him in the implementation of policies and objectives of the Government, on the control and regulation of tobacco products generally
2. To consult with relevant national and international bodies on developments in tobacco control
3. To advise the Minister on any further actions that should be taken to reduce or eliminate smoking or its effects
4. Organise research and disseminate the results
5. Coordinate a national inspection programme in cooperation with the health boards
6. To advise the Minister as required on the manufacturing and marketing activities of the tobacco industry
7. To perform such other functions as the Minister may assign to the Office from time to time.
We can surmise from the copious mention of the word Advise and Minister above that the essential role of the Office is to, well, to Advise the Minister on all matters relating to tobacco.
But on their website there is one extra paragraph under the heading of functions, it is not even assigned a bullet point number, but it is the most significant function.
“In addition the Office of Tobacco Control will perform certain specific functions such as the maintenance of a register of retail premises…”
So if you own a retail premises that sells tobacco, whether is it a newsagent or bar you will have to register that fact with the Office of Tobacco Control.
Naturally there will be a form to be completed by the retailer and we can understand that, but speaking from experience I just know the obligations will be more.
Once again, this is an example of “The Government” wrapping more red tape around the small retailer. There will be a form to complete, and of course, a fee to be paid. Sure lets make it every year, and because he won’t want it lets ensure there is a totally inappropriate penalty for failure to comply, perhaps a prison sentence?
Bear in mind the retailer is already busy going about his daily business - ordering tobacco as required - and now he will be required to pay a fee for something he never asked and doesn’t want.
Comments