Ireland: Challenge to tobacco ad ban ‘ridiculous’

A high court challenge against the law prohibiting the display of cigarettes in shops has been described by ASH Ireland as ridiculous.
Today, a tobacco giant and a small Donegal retailer will join forces to mount the challenge before the High Court in Dublin.
Philip Morris Limited (PML), Philip Morris Products SA (PMPSA) and Maurice Timony will base their case on the grounds that the legislation severely restricts an ability to provide trade and services and consequently violates Irish constitutional and EU law.
The plaintiffs are not seeking changes to the law prohibiting smoking in public places.
Dr Angie Brown, chairperson of ASH Ireland, said any attempt to overturn the ban on tobacco advertising in retail outlets demonstrated "a mindset from the tobacco industry which has always concerned us".
"This excellent legislation is designed to protect children from a bombardment of tobacco advertising and promotion each time they enter a retail outlet - and now the tobacco industry want this protection withdrawn. Perhaps we should not be surprised.

Source: The Irish Examiner, 6th October 2009