De-normalising smoking: tackling supply via major grocery retailers

Excerpt

In terms of avoidable mortality and morbidity the adverse health impacts of tobacco remain a crucial focus for health promotion initiatives. As the leading cause of preventable mortality in Ireland it is estimated that approximately 100 people per week die from diseases caused by tobacco use, with tobacco use also estimated to cause up to 2500 strokes per year [1]. The economic arguments for enhancing tobacco control are similarly compelling with estimated costs of premature mortality in Ireland due to smoking-related diseases being in excess of 3500 million Euros in 2009 alone [1]. Given the magnitude of the negative impact of tobacco, it is no surprise therefore that Healthy Ireland includes the target of reducing the overall population prevalence of smoking by 1 % per annum [2]. …