Menu
28/08/2002
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 March 2012
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
23 November 2011
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
13 December 2007
Inspections Enforce Smoking Ban
Seven months after the introduction of the UK-wide smoking ban, a dozen businesses in Belfast have been hit for breaking the law. A recent Belfast City Council pre-Christmas crackdown resulted in council officials inspected more than 450 premises – discovering that smoking laws were still being broken.
Inspections Enforce Smoking Ban
Seven months after the introduction of the UK-wide smoking ban, a dozen businesses in Belfast have been hit for breaking the law. A recent Belfast City Council pre-Christmas crackdown resulted in council officials inspected more than 450 premises – discovering that smoking laws were still being broken.
06 November 2024
Health Minister Backs Progressive Smoking Ban in New UK Bill
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which introduces a progressive smoking ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the UK, so that anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never be able to legally be sold cigarettes.
Health Minister Backs Progressive Smoking Ban in New UK Bill
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which introduces a progressive smoking ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the UK, so that anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never be able to legally be sold cigarettes.
17 December 2019
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
