Northern Ireland Lawmakers Support Proposal to Ban Disposable Vapes

According to reports from Northern Ireland media derrynow on October 26, Derry and Strabane Council in Northern Ireland will write to the Secretary of State, requesting a ban on disposable vape products.

According to a breaking report from Northern Ireland media derrynow on October 26, Derry and Strabane Council in Northern Ireland will write to the Secretary of State, requesting a ban on disposable vape products. 

On October 25, Councillor Caitlin Deeny proposed the motion at a full council meeting. 

The councillor said disposable vapes have a negative impact on society and the environment. She pointed out that disposable vapes are made from multiple materials, including plastic shells, copper, and lithium batteries, which are not effectively recycled. In fact, large numbers of vapes are being thrown into landfills every day, not only increasing the risk of fires and air and water pollution, but also worsening greenhouse gas emissions. 

Councillor Martin Reilly proposed an amendment, arguing that a total ban on disposable vapes could have the opposite effect, since it might still be possible to bypass the ban by offering rechargeable vapes. However, due to feedback from all sides, Caitlin Deeny did not accept the amendment. 

In the end, the motion passed with 27 votes in favor and 6 abstentions. 

Vape company VaporLinQ General Manager Stephen Ryan said the decision was somewhat extreme. He called on the government to change existing regulations more substantially, provide safer and healthier vapes, and prevent illegal vape products from circulating in the market.