United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Ban on sales from vending machines in Northern Ireland
JANUARY 2012 - Members of the Legislative Assembly (representatives elected by the voters to the Northern Ireland Assembly) agreed to ban sales of cigarettes from vending machines in Northern Ireland, with a view to driving down the number of children and young people who smoke. It is estimated that vending machines are the usual source of tobacco products for 14% of smokers aged between 11 and 16 years. The ban will come into effect on 1 March 2012. A similar law entered into force in England in October 2011; in Wales, a ban should enter into force in February 2012; while in Scotland, the ban has been delayed owing to a legal challenge.
More information is available from Jenny McAlarney, Health Improvement Policy Branch, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Jenny.McAlarney@dhsspsni.gov.uk)