Fine Gael calls for amendment of tobacco bill
Fine Gael is calling on the Government to amend the Public Health Tobacco Amendment Bill to ensure there are appropriate penalties for shopkeepers who sell cigarettes to minors.
The party says the maximum penalty of 90 days suspension which is discretionary should be made mandatory.
Spokesperson on Health Dr James Reilly said the Government’s intention to leave this penalty at the discretion of judges, sends out the wrong signal.
Deputy Reilly has told the Dáil that store owners should not be allowed to use the excuse of ignorance where employees sell cigarettes to minors.
