Teenagers would be put off trying smoking for the first time if tobacco was sold in plain packets, health campaigners have said.
Research involving 15 and 16-year-olds found branded packets encourage young people to take up the habit, while smokers would try and quit if all packets were the same.
Health Minister Dr James Reilly said it is unacceptable for a product that kills 5,200 Irish people a year to be packaged in a slim, pink container like a perfume or lipstick.
"Given all we know about the dangers of smoking, we cannot allow deceptive marketing gimmicks to be used to lure our children into a deadly addiction that will ultimately kill half of those who become addicted," he said.
"Standardised packaging is the next logical step in combating this public health epidemic."
A coalition of charities and health groups have come together to lobby the Government to bring in laws making it illegal for cigarette companies to use colour, text and size to market tobacco products.
Packets would instead be in colours like green or brown and emblazoned with large health warnings and images of disease.
They said it is one of the last remaining and powerful marketing tools the manufacturers have.
Source: Irish Independent, 19/09/13
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
