Gay Mitchell
Ceist:158 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received representations seeking to ban or restrict cigarette vending machines; and his views on this matter. [16278/01]
Written Answers. - Tobacco Products.
Some views have been put forward that cigarette vending machines should be banned or restricted. I am concerned over the unrestricted access to cigarettes from vending machines by underage persons. About 80% of all smokers become addicted before reaching 16 years of age. On average smokers who begin smoking in adolescence and continue to smoke regularly have a 50% chance of dying from tobacco related illnesses.
About 15% of cigarette sales are made from vending machines. Many cigarette vending machines are located in areas in premises, often out of sight of staff, where there is no form of supervision. This is unacceptable from a public health perspective. There is a need to control and restrict access to cigarette vending machines and ensure that they are suitably located on premises under direct supervision of staff. I will be addressing this problem in the new public health and tobacco Bill currently being drafted.