This monitoring report presents the results from an independent audit of 1,209 Irish retail and licensed premises conducted by TNS mrbi during summer 2009.

The results of the audit are also compared to baseline findings from summer 2007 and 2008. Part One examines performance with respect to tobacco sales to minors legislation as set out in the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002. Part Two examines the presence and extent of tobacco advertising and display at point-of-sale.

Section 45 of the Act states that it is an offence to sell a tobacco product to a person that has not attained the age of 18 years. The findings of Part One of this survey provide a national overview of compliance among tobacco retailers with respect to sales to minors legislation for a third consecutive year. This appraisal of retailer performance results in the establishment of annual benchmarks against which future progress can be measured and compared. Such data will contribute significantly to the implementation of a comprehensive youth protection programme.

Part Two: The survey provides a summary of the level of point-of-sale tobacco advertising and display across the retail environment in Ireland post the 1 July 2009 deadline. The findings in this report show that 98% of all store types are compliant with the new legislation regarding cigarette advertising while 97% of all store types are complying with legislation regarding the display of cigarettes in store.