In the years preceding the imposition of the
smoking ban Ireland had witnessed a year on year decline in the amount of smokers and
tobacco consumption. However that trend has now been reversed with an officially recorded
increase in tobacco consumption and smokers last year. This has occurred in the wake of
the imposition of the draconian smoking ban and unprecedented millions spent on
advertisements vilifying smokers and encouraging them to quit. Official figures show an
increase to 23% in 2005 from 22% in 2004 of adults smoking in Ireland.
Smokers are lighting up in huge amounts generating around
€1.6 billion in turnover for tobacco companies in Ireland. The government took around
€1.4 billion in taxes from this revenue in 2005. Not included in these figures are
the huge volumes of cigarettes imported both legally and illegally into the country. The
high tax rate in Ireland means a pack of 20 cigarettes costs on average €6.40
compared to €2.60 in popular holiday destinations such as Spain. With the booming
economy Irish people are holidaying abroad in record numbers and also bringing back
tobacco in equally record numbers. Many make special 'smoking excursions' availing of
cheap flights for the sole purpose of stocking up on cigarettes.
One of the stated aims of the smoking ban was to 'improve
the nations health' by reducing the number of smokers. Proponents of the ban congratulate
themselves almost on a daily basis for introducing the ban oblivious to the fact of it's
utter failure to reduce smoking. It seems the greatest benefactor of the smoking ban has
been the tobacco manufacturers. The largest player in the Irish market Gallaher launched a
new brand onto the market, 'Benson & Hedges Silver' in April 2006. This is the first
new brand introduced to the Irish market in over ten years.
