The change in the law came into effect today as part of the drive by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to reduce the level of smoking amongst children and 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.”
The Minister concluded: “'My 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.”
The minister has also extended to Northern Ireland a Department of Health (London) 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. The consultation ends on 8 September 2008.
Notes to Editors:
- Research in 2006/07 found that 65% of adult smokers in Northern Ireland took up the habit in their teens (79% in 2004/05). In 2007, almost 9% of children between 11 and 16 in Northern Ireland were regular smokers (13.5% in 2000).
- A consultation on raising the age of sale was undertaken from 29 October 2007 to 18 January 2008 and elicited 90% support for raising the age to 18. The move was approved by the Assembly on 30 June 2008.
- The Department of Health-led consultation on future tobacco controls such as advertising at point of sale and access to vending machines is available on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_085120 and will run until 8 September 2008.
- Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
- Enquiries on enforcement should be directed to Tom Crossan, Principle Environmental Health Officer, Belfast City Council on 028 9032 0202 Ext 3276 who will act as spokesperson for the Chief Environmental Health Officers' Group (CEHOG).
