Ireland is poised to become the EU’s inaugural member to prohibit tobacco sales to those under 21, shifting from the current age limit of 18.
This measure marks a significant stride in public health efforts, with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly expressing optimism for swift legislative progress to enforce the new law, distinct from the UK’s approach due to EU market regulations.
This move follows Ireland’s pioneering stance two decades ago, when it banned smoking in workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, setting a global precedent.
The aim of the new proposal is to drastically reduce the adult smoking rate from 18% to below 5%, aiming to mitigate the estimated annual toll of 4,500 deaths attributed to smoking and second-hand smoke in Ireland.