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The Government has approved a new initiative to draft legislation introducing further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products, commonly known as vapes. The proposed General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill includes several significant measures aimed at reducing the appeal of vapes, especially to young people.
The new legislation proposes:
- A ban on the display and advertising of vapes at points of sale, except in shops that primarily sell these products.
- Restrictions on packaging colours, imagery, and a ban on vape devices that resemble toys or other non-related items.
- A prohibition on all flavour descriptors except basic flavour names, and limiting available flavours to tobacco, with the possibility of adding more as evidence supports.
- A ban on the import, manufacture, and sale of single-use disposable vapes.
Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health
, highlighted the need to take stronger actions against rising vape usage among children:
“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. Nicotine is addictive, and the long-term effects of these products are not yet known, so it is important to act.”
He also acknowledged the role of vapes in helping adults quit smoking, noting that most products will remain available for this purpose, except for disposable vapes.
Colm Burke, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, supported the move, emphasising the impact of bright packaging and flavoured vapes on young people:
“Our young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours. Single-use vapes also cause environmental damage. I believe that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of our youth.”
Ossian Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
, praised the Bill for addressing both public health and environmental concerns:
“Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter. I have been working with Minister Donnelly for some time, and I am very supportive of this legislative proposal.”
This legislation reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment, with a particular focus on protecting young people from the potential risks associated with vaping.