Ireland to Ban Sales of Vaping Devices to Children Before Mid-July

According to foreign reports today, a bill from the Irish Department of Health will prohibit the sale of vaping devices to children and advertising near schools.

The Irish Independent reported today that the proposed legislation by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is nearing completion and is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. 

After President Michael D. Higgins signs it, the new legislation is expected to be submitted to the House of Commons on July 13. 

The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhalation Products) Bill prohibits the sale of vaping devices to individuals under 18 years of age. 

Currently, there are no mandatory age restrictions on the sale and marketing of vaping devices.

Some vaping products currently carry warnings on their packaging advising against use by individuals under 18.

The bill also prohibits the sale of vaping devices from vending machines or temporary or mobile locations that do not conduct business long-term.

Sales of vaping devices will also be banned in places or events where children are the majority of participants.

The legislation also prohibits advertising vaping devices on public transport, in cinemas, and near schools.

Retailers who violate the legislation will face suspension or fines.

Mr. Donnelly previously stated that the purpose of the bill is to protect children and young people from starting to use vaping devices.

“We recognize that nicotine is an extremely addictive substance, and we are taking action today to make it harder for our young people to access these products,” he said.

A 2018 study found that the prevalence of vaping among young people is twice that of smoking, with 22% of Irish individuals aged 12 to 17 having tried vaping at least once.

Approximately 9% of young people reported having vaped in the past 30 days.

Many European countries, including Belgium, France, and Germany, have already banned the sale of vaping devices to minors.

According to the World Health Organization, there are up to 16,000 flavors of vaping products.