This Order is the second commencement order made by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety under the Health Act 2009 (“the Act”).

This Order brings into force in Northern Ireland provisions of sections 20 and 21 of the Act, which make amendments to earlier legislation in relation to tobacco. It also brings into force in Northern Ireland provisions of Schedule 4 to the Act (which makes minor and consequential amendments in relation to tobacco).

Provisions relating to the prohibition of tobacco displays and to the related exclusions and defence are commenced, to the extent that they are not already in force, on 31 October 2012 for the purpose of large shops (as defined) other than bulk tobacconists (as defined) and specialist tobacconists (as defined in section 6 of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002), and on 6 April 2015 for all other purposes.

Provisions relating to the display of prices of tobacco products are commenced, to the extent that they are not already in force, on 31 October 2012 for the purpose of large shops other than bulk tobacconists and specialist tobacconists, and for all other purposes on 6 April 2015.

Provisions relating to the exclusion for specialist tobacconists from the prohibition of advertising are commenced on 6 April 2015.