South Korea Bans E-Cigarette Vending Machines Near Schools

South Korea Eyes Stricter E-Cig Laws

South Korea’s National Assembly has passed an amendment to the “Education Environment Protection Act,” effectively banning the installation and operation of liquid e-cigarette vending machines in designated school protection zones. The bill was proposed by Assemblywoman Kang Kyung-sook of the Rebuilding Korea Party.

This new law addresses a critical loophole in the current Tobacco Business Act, which did not classify liquid e-cigarettes made with synthetic nicotine or from tobacco stems/roots as “tobacco.” This oversight allowed unmanned vape shops with vending machines to operate near schools, making it difficult to prevent underage sales due to challenges in verifying age.

Assemblywoman Kang emphasized the need for the legislation amid growing public concern over rising youth e-cigarette use. “I proposed this bill to protect students’ health and create a safe educational environment,” she stated. The ban is a direct response to social demands for stronger regulations to curb youth access to vaping products.

Matthew Ma
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