Point of Sale Research Press Release
Statement from ASH Ireland, 19 November
2010
ASH IRELAND WELCOMES REDUCTION OF AWARENESS OF SMOKING
AS A RESULT OF RETAIL PROMOTION BAN
ASH Ireland welcomes the research, published today, which shows
that the removal of point of sale advertising here last year is
significantly reducing the awareness of tobacco among our young
people. This is good news and will hopefully, over time,
significantly reduce smoking levels in this country.(Research is
published today in the journal, 'Tobacco Control')
Dr Brian Maurer, Chairperson ASH Ireland, said today, "I
welcome the emphatic message emerging from the research published
today, as it tells us that our young people have less awareness of
tobacco, since the government introduced a ban on retail
outlets promoting tobacco. For decades our children and young
people were bombarded with tobacco signage, each time they
used a retail outlet - and this was generating an awareness of
tobacco that was impacting on their decision to experiment with
smoking. The Government must be complimented on their decision to
introduce this important pro-health legislation last year"
The research published today also tells us that the
'Removal of point of sale tobacco promotional
displays had no statistically significant short term impact (one
year post ban) on cigarette pack sales'. This information is
contrary to information we have been receiving from vested
interests. In time sales will inevitably decrease, if the will
and commitment to effective anti tobacco measures
is maintained.
Smoking kills close to 7,000 people every year and thousands of
people all around the country are experiencing smoking related
illness. Each and every initiative, which can reduce smoking deaths
and illness should have our support and those who oppose such
initiatives must focus less on profit and sales and more on the
health of the nation.
ends
For contact, ASH Ireland, 01-6599451
Wally Young, Young Communications,
087-2471520