10 packs of cigarettes are now a thing of the past.
On 31 May 2007, the sale of packs of ten cigarettes was banned. Ahead of the ban, the previous day, RTÉ News reports on the impact the new legislation will have.
It is now illegal to sell cigarettes in packs of fewer than twenty. The new legislation also sees the introduction of a ban on confectionary that resembles tobacco products.
The aim of the ban is to discourage young people from smoking.
The Office of Tobacco Control says it hopes that the measure will discourage younger people from smoking. According to a survey in 2006, 76% of teenagers who smoke buy 10 packs of cigarettes and 77% of those said they would be likely to quit if cigarette prices doubled. However, a group representing smokers rights claims that the ban will result in people of all ages smoking more. John Daly from the group 'Smokers Against Discrimination' says that the legislation discriminates against the elderly, people on low income and people trying to quit.
Professor Kenneth Warner Dean of Public Health at the University of Michigan, says that manufacturers deliberately use 10 packs to encourage young people to smoke.
Retailers who breach the new ban face a fine of up to €3,000 or up to three months in prison.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 May 2007. The reporter is Samantha Libreri.
