10 years of smoke-free Ireland

10 years ago, on the 24th of March 2004, Ireland introduced a ban on smoking in all workplaces as the first country in the world.  Many countries have since then followed its example. Since the ban came into effect, smoking prevalence has decreased from 28% to 21% and the de-normalization of smoking has led to less young people taking up smoking.

Ireland is among the global leaders in tobacco control - beyond smoke-free workplaces, Ireland continues to be an inspiration to other countries by its strategy to become tobacco free by 2025 and the decision to introduce standardized packaging of tobacco products.