Nature imagery on cigarette vending machines in Ireland: A lacuna in tobacco control

Abstract

Legislation in Ireland now requires standardised packaging for cigarette packets as well as the EU mandated combined graphic and text anti-smoking warnings. However, although overt tobacco advertising has also been banned for many years in Ireland, a lacuna currently exists in relation to cigarette vending machines. An examination of industry practice has identified the use of bucolic and coastal scenes on the outside of vending machines. This is problematic for three reasons. First, they are reminiscent of former cigarette advertisements and packaging. Second, such artwork serves to minimise the environmental damage caused by the tobacco industry and their products. Third, the use of landscape imagery undermines the Irish Government’s strategy of denormalising smoking.