Operator of Cork stores welcomes new licencing system for sale of vapes and tobacco  

The operator of a chain of shops selling vapes in Cork and Kerry has welcomed the introduction of a new licencing systems for the sale of vapes and other tobacco products, which is aimed at reducing the proliferation of these products among teenagers.

Retailers who sell vapes will have to pay €800, while shops with tobacco products for sale will be required to pay €1,000, under the new licencing system being introduced in a measure to cut down the illicit sale of these goods.

According to Gordon Treacy, the proprietor of E-Smoke Store Ltd, the operators of the E-Smokes stores in Cork and Kerry, the new licencing system will bring in a measure of control into the sector, and he added that the products were now available widely.

“Takeaways, wherever you want you can buy them,” he said, adding that he didn’t expect the licencing system to be in place for a few months.

“We have a committee struggling to get recognition on this, but it’s not easy.”

Mr Treacy acknowledged that there were issues in terms of some stores selling to purchasers under the age of 18.

“If there’s a licencing system, they can move to stamp that out — at the moment, they can do nothing about it.

“What you have opening up around the country at the moment are these candy and vape shops, which is crazy, and we have nothing to do with them.

“You can’t come into a vape shop unless you’re over 18,” he said.

Important role

The candy and vape shops sell American sweets along with the vapes. In a statement, BAT Ireland — the brand name for PJ Carroll tobacco products such as Rothman and Major cigarettes as well as VUSE and Cirro — also welcomed the new licencing system, which is to come into force on February 2.

“We have repeatedly called for the introduction of the retail licence system, and believe it will play an important role in the enforcement of the under-18 vape sales ban and in preventing the sale of illegal vape products,” said David Melinn, the country manager of BAT Ireland.

“However, we believe that the failure to include tobacco-free nicotine pouches was a misstep and one that can hopefully be addressed by the next Government.”

Shops that sell vapes will have to join a register and will be subject to inspections by the HSE to ensure compliance with the law.

They will have to renew their licence annually, meaning that any retailer who sells illegal vapes or sells to under-18s can have their licence revoked and lose the ability to sell vapes.

“The vast majority of retailers are responsible and are doing the right thing, but we have concerns about the unknown quantity of mobile phone accessory and laptop repair shops selling vapes,” said Mr Melinn.