Philip Morris Sues Irish Government

By: Ainsley Brown

Philip Morris – yes that Philip Morris – the tobacco giant is set to sue the Irish government. And, why?

The substance of Philip Morris’ claim is that the new Irish law that came into force on July 1 banning the display of cigarettes in stores is anti-competitive. As a public health measure the new law was intended to curb smoker numbers, especially amongst teenagers.

In Ireland no more

In Ireland no more

The ban, as the company claims, is anti-competitive because it favors established cigarette makers and brands that already have a large market share. Smokers would then stick with the bands they already know rather than shift to a different one. The company is being advised by well known Irish law firm Matheson Ormsby Prentice.

A similar policy has been perused in Canada and one is being contemplated by in the UK. It will be interesting to see if Philip Morris does in fact succeed.

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