Some countries are preparing for the tobacco-free transition in the coming years, such as Ireland. Indeed, a study ofASH Ireland and Irish Heart Foundation indicates that a large proportion of Irish people support a reduction in points of sale, low-nicotine cigarettes, raising the legal purchasing age for tobacco, as well as a ban on the sale of tobacco to people born after a certain date.
FOR ANTI-TOBACCO MEASURES IN THE COUNTRY!
It is in Dublin that the organizations Action on Smoking and Health (ASH Ireland) et Irish Heart Foundation presented the latest study on the population's perception of different anti-smoking measures. Carried out by the Ipsos institute with a representative sample of 1012 people, it completes a series of studies commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to assess the acceptance of several measures.
This study indicates that 76% of respondents accept the idea of a gradual ban on the sale of tobacco to people born after a certain date, known as "endgame", compared to 22% who are opposed to it. This measure would increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco by one year each year, with the aim of achieving a tobacco-free generation, i.e. less than 5% of smokers in the population. 76% of 18-25 year olds said they were in favor of this type of measure.
Among the other themes evaluated, 78% of respondents are in favor of reducing the number of tobacco sales points, and 87% are also in favor of significantly reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes in order to make them less addictive.
Another study, also carried out by IPSOS for the HSE in 2022 and published in 2023, confirmed that 74,6% of those questioned support the project of a tobacco-free Ireland, that 82,8% approve of the progressive ban on the sale of tobacco and 86% say they are in favor of cigarettes with reduced nicotine content.
A third study conducted by the Irish Heart Foundation indicated that 73% agree to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21, while 26% are opposed. 66% approve of plain packages for vaping products, compared to 25% who are against them. Regarding electronic cigarettes, 57% of respondents said they were in favor of a complete ban on flavors, while 33% were opposed.
For the Dr Emmet O'Brien, President of ASH Ireland, these studies indicate that the public seems more determined than policy makers to achieve a tobacco-free Ireland. While in New Zealand, under pressure from the tobacco lobby, the new government announced an about-face on anti-tobacco policy, and Malaysia has also restricted its ambitions in this area, Ireland seems still on the road to a tobacco-free generation, even if it means getting there a little later than expected.
