The tobacco company, Gallaher Limited, has announced its withdrawal from sponsorship of the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters Snooker tournament. In a statement, the company said that the decision to withdraw from the event was "forced" upon it by new Government regulations introduced by the Minister for Health, Micheál Martin.
The legislation bans all tobacco advertising and sponsorship. Gallaher claims that this "unilateral" decision by the Irish Government, taken outside of EU parameters, will deprive the Irish public of access to this high-profile event.
