Seán Haughey
Question:806 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ban the advertising of cigarettes and alcohol drinks in DART stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19657/03]
Written Answers. - Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising.
One of the recommendations of the strategic task force on alcohol which I established last year concerns limiting the exposure of children and adolescents to alcohol marketing. This includes limiting where alcohol advertisements can be placed and regulating their content to ensure that they do not appeal to children. The Cabinet has approved a draft general scheme for an alcohol products Bill for the control of advertising, sponsorship and marketing practices-sales promotions. Issues such as the advertising of alcohol in public places will be addressed in this legislation.
Tobacco advertising plays an important role in promoting tobacco products, particularly in relation to young people. A complete ban on all forms of advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products is necessary if we are to reduce children's exposure to inducements to tobacco products. The advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products by the tobacco industry, other than limited retail and trade advertising and advertising in low volume foreign publications, has been prohibited since July 2000. Section 33 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002, when commenced, will introduce a total ban on all advertising of tobacco products including in-store, point-of-sale and retail advertising.