Majority backs gradual ban on tobacco

More than three quarters of people in Ireland support a total phasing out of tobacco sales, preventing those born after a certain year from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes, new research by the Irish Heart Foundation has found.

Furthermore, the majority support both a reduction in the number of locations where tobacco is sold and less nicotine in it to make cigarettes less addictive.

The data was presented at a conference in Dublin recently, organised by the charity and ASH Ireland, Council of the Irish Heart Foundation, to explore a tobacco ‘endgame’ for Ireland and regulation of e-cigarettes.

The survey of 1,012 adults last month showed 76% of the population favour a gradual ban on the sale and supply of tobacco, with 22% disagreeing. Crucially, 76% of 18-24 year-olds were found to be in support of the move.

Such a measure would raise the legal age of smoking every year by a year so that eventually no-one could buy tobacco legally.

A total of 78% said they wanted a reduction in the number of locations where tobacco can be purchased and 87% favour reduced nicotine content in tobacco.

Separate research by the Irish Heart Foundation found 57% back a ban on vape flavours (35% against) and 66% support plain packaging (25% against).

In addition, 73% supported the Tobacco 21 policy with 26% against.