Still room for improvement in tobacco sales to minors – says Mandate Trade Union
Friday 27 November 2009Mandate calls on retailers to ensure identification is requested from customers.
Mandate Trade Union has welcomed the results of a new report from the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), The National Tobacco Retail Audit – 2009 Monitoring Report, which shows that compliance with sales to minors legislation is improving through shops and licensed premises across Ireland.
Mandate represents over 50,000 workers in Ireland in the retail and bar trade sector and the union recognises the important role their members play in protecting young and vulnerable adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption.
Although the report shows improvements in compliance, the Audit from the OTC shows that 32% of minors can access cigarettes in retail shops, while 35% can access them from vending machines in bars.
Mandate General Secretary, John Douglas said, “While we recognise that compliance is improving with relation to sales to under 18 year olds, there is still massive scope for improvement.
“Mandate is calling on all retail employers to ensure their staff members are fully informed of tobacco legislation and that a stronger policy of requesting identification is enforced,” said Mr Douglas.
