Irish Cabinet Approves Ban on Sale of Disposable Vapes

The Irish Cabinet has given the green light to Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly to draft legislation that will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products, including a ban on the sale of disposable vapes. The proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill aims to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland, citing environmental and public health concerns.

Restrictions on Vape Flavors and Advertising

In addition to the ban on disposable vapes, the new legislation will limit vape flavors to tobacco, with provisions for amending the list of allowed flavors based on new evidence. The bill also seeks to ban point-of-sale displays and advertising of vape products in shops that do not primarily sell these items.

Minister Donnelly emphasized the importance of these measures in tackling the rise in vape use among children and young people, stating that the long-term effects of these products remain unknown. He acknowledged that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking and assured that these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to be available.

Concerns Over Nicotine Levels and Targeting Children

The Cabinet heard that single-use vapes are relatively inexpensive and disproportionately used by younger people. Minister Donnelly expressed concern that the products sold in Ireland contain the maximum permitted levels of nicotine (20mg) and that companies are cynically targeting children with over 15,000 flavors and attractive packaging.

Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the proposed ban, calling vaping “the revenge of the tobacco industry” and emphasizing the need to take action to improve the health of young people. Tánaiste Micheál Martin also supported the ban, stating that vaping is “smoking mark two” in terms of the nation’s health and that younger people, in particular, need protection from its harmful effects.

Industry Reaction and Concerns

Vape Business Ireland (VBI), the national trade association for vaping retailers, criticized the proposals as “extreme” and urged the government not to “throw out the baby with the bathwater.” VBI warned that “kneejerk bans” could lead to quitters returning to smoking, fueling black market vapes, and increasing cross-border sales.

VBI spokesperson Paul Malone called on the government to enforce the existing ban on the sale of vapes to those under 18 and consider measures such as low excise on vapes and banning packaging with cartoons and toy-like imagery. He argued that the proposed bans would only hurt small businesses and make it harder for people trying to quit smoking.

As the legislation moves forward, the debate surrounding the balance between public health, environmental concerns, and the role of vaping in smoking cessation is expected to continue. The government’s goal of protecting young people from the potential harms of vaping will be weighed against the concerns of the vaping industry and the needs of adult smokers looking to quit.

News source: Cabinet approves ban on sale of disposable vapes

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.