Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “This is very good news and shows Northern Ireland’s intent to try and deliver a healthier society that puts less of a burden on our health service.
“It is vital that every possible step is taken to dissuade people from taking up smoking and a display ban is a key part of this.
“It is shocking to think that there are more than 2,300 smoking-related deaths in Northern Ireland every year and measures like this which can help reduce this tragic figure are very welcome. Smoking-related illnesses cost the public purse a massive amount of money annually and if this display ban is implemented it will be a real boost to our health service.”
ENDS