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.
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.
