Cigarette manufacturer Gallaher has withdrawn sponsorship of the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters Snooker tournament. Gallaher claim the decision to withdraw from the event was forced upon them by new Government regulations banning all tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
The company says the decision by the Minister for Health has come into effect ahead three years ahead of a similar EU ruling. That means the Irish public are being denied access to a major sporting event in advance of their EU counterparts.
However there is already speculation today that an alternative sponsor may be found before next years tournament at Goffs.
Filed by Sean Doran
