Restrictions on vape products will reduce appeal to teenagers, senator says

Eva Osborne

Action to regulate vaping products will help reduce their appeal to young people and help protect the environment, a Fine Gael senator has said.

Senator Mark Duffy, who raised this issue in the Seanad on Wednesday with Minister John Cummins, said new legislation would be a significant step for protecting young people’s health across Ireland.

Currently, a one-off registration system exists for tobacco, but not for nicotine inhaling products.

“We’ve all seen the growth of vape shops across the country, and parents are concerned about how this is impacting their children," he said.

“The variety of flavours and bright packaging on vaping products is clearly aimed at making these products more attractive to our youth.

“It’s a cynical move to get them hooked, with vape companies targeting younger and vulnerable individuals with colourful, flavoured products designed for maximum appeal.

“The proposed bill, drafted by my colleague Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, addresses some of the major issues with the sale of vape products. Newsagents will be required to hide vape products in the same way as tobacco, and there will be an advertising ban in all shops where these products are sold."

Duffy said it will regulate these products to reduce their appeal to young people, with restrictions on colours and imagery to avoid bright, "cartoon-covered" packaging, a ban on toy-like devices, limits to basic flavours, and a ban on single-use vapes.

“Currently, a one-off registration system exists for tobacco, but not for nicotine inhaling products, which has led to unregulated sales in sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shops, and fast-food takeaways.

"The new system will require annual license applications with compliance declarations, alongside increased penalties for offenses, including suspensions and revocations for repeat violations.

“This legislation is really welcome. The growth of vape shops in Ireland has been rapid, and this regulation responds to the concerns of so many parents and families."