Government to introduce stricter regulations on vapes

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced plans to draft new legislation aimed at further restricting the sale and advertising of nicotine inhaling products

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today welcomed the approval from the Government to draft legislation introducing further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.  

The General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill proposes: 

• A prohibition on point-of-sale display and advertising in shops other than those who only or primarily sell these products.
• Restrictions on colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games. 
• A prohibition on all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names.
• A limit on flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with provisions to amend the list of allowed flavours as new evidence presents.  
• A prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.  

 “As a Government we introduced a ban on the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under 18s, however we must go further and this legislation will tackle the rise in the use of ’vapes’ among children and young people by reducing their attractiveness and availability,” said Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly.

Long term effects

Nicotine is addictive and the long-term effects of these products are not yet known, so it is important to act, notes Minister Donnelly.

“I know that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking so these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to remain available.”

The measures Minister Donnelly is taking are to reduce use among the youth, so that children can grow up without the risks associated with these products.

 The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke said: “As Minister with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, I welcome the introduction of this important measure.”

Young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours and single-use vapes also cause an environmental damage, notes Minister Burke.

Minister Burke believes that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of the youth.