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01/09/2008
No Smoke Without 'Fine': Tobacco Ban On Under 18s
It is now illegal in Northern Ireland to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.
The change in the law came into effect today as part of the drive by NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to reduce the level of smoking in young people.
Stressing the importance of the change the Minister said: "Tobacco is known to be the leading cause of preventable death in Northern Ireland.
"The cost to our society is huge and I believe raising the age of sale will help discourage children and young people from taking up this life threatening habit.
"From today, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. As much as I think that this measure is needed, I truly hope that our young people will decide for themselves not to smoke.
"Tobacco is a highly addictive and destructive substance that not only reduces the quality of your life but shortens it too," he continued noting that the Department funded the appointment of additional enforcement officers when our smoke-free legislation was introduced and this team will now provide support for enhanced monitoring of underage tobacco sales.
"Of course, I realise that raising the age of sale will not, of itself, solve the problem of children's smoking.
"Surveys regularly show that the majority of adult smokers adopt the habit in their teens and obtain their cigarettes from a variety of sources. We will therefore continue to explore the scope for further action in this important area," he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister has also extended to Northern Ireland a London-based Department of Health consultation seeking views on the future of tobacco controls, including those likely to impact on children's smoking such as advertising at point of sale and access to tobacco vending machines - this ends on 8 September.
(BMcC)
The change in the law came into effect today as part of the drive by NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to reduce the level of smoking in young people.
Stressing the importance of the change the Minister said: "Tobacco is known to be the leading cause of preventable death in Northern Ireland.
"The cost to our society is huge and I believe raising the age of sale will help discourage children and young people from taking up this life threatening habit.
"From today, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. As much as I think that this measure is needed, I truly hope that our young people will decide for themselves not to smoke.
"Tobacco is a highly addictive and destructive substance that not only reduces the quality of your life but shortens it too," he continued noting that the Department funded the appointment of additional enforcement officers when our smoke-free legislation was introduced and this team will now provide support for enhanced monitoring of underage tobacco sales.
"Of course, I realise that raising the age of sale will not, of itself, solve the problem of children's smoking.
"Surveys regularly show that the majority of adult smokers adopt the habit in their teens and obtain their cigarettes from a variety of sources. We will therefore continue to explore the scope for further action in this important area," he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister has also extended to Northern Ireland a London-based Department of Health consultation seeking views on the future of tobacco controls, including those likely to impact on children's smoking such as advertising at point of sale and access to tobacco vending machines - this ends on 8 September.
(BMcC)
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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.
