Ireland Vape Retailers Demand Scrutiny of Proposed Flavor Ban and Ad Restrictions

Ireland Flavored Vapes Ban

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the national trade association for vape retailers, is urgently calling on the Irish Minister for Health and the Oireachtas Health Committee to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2025. RVI argues that the government’s decision to potentially bypass this crucial step risks devastating small businesses and could drive adult ex-smokers back to traditional cigarettes.

The bill proposes sweeping changes, including a complete ban on flavored vapes, the introduction of plain packaging, and a total prohibition on the in-store display and advertising of vaping products. RVI contends that such significant measures, which they believe could remove a vital tool for tobacco harm reduction, should not proceed without detailed examination by Oireachtas members and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including the vaping industry.

Lorraine Carolan, RVI spokesperson, emphasized the importance of vaping products in helping Irish adults quit smoking. She cited Healthy Ireland data showing that over 225,000 Irish adults have quit smoking with the help of vapes since 2015, and in 2023, nearly 1/4 who successfully quit did so using vapes. “Legislation involving changes of this scale must be evidence-based and carefully considered, not rushed through the Oireachtas without informed debate,” Carolan stated. She warned that in countries like Denmark and Estonia, similar bans have led to rising smoking rates and a surge in black market vapes, sometimes resulting in the reversal of such laws.

RVI expressed concern that the new government is rushing the publication of a full bill, potentially taking advantage of delays in appointing Oireachtas Committees. The organization believes it is critical that due process is followed, especially as they claim the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Bill failed to consider the impact on SMEs. With over 300 independent vape shops operating across Ireland, RVI fears the legislation will place both businesses and livelihoods at risk. While supporting responsible regulation, RVI stresses the need for balance, arguing that “blanket bans on vaping products often do more harm than good.“

Matthew Ma
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