More Than One-Fifth of Irish Vape Shops Caught Selling to Minors
According to data from Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), despite a legal ban in place since December 2023, more than 22% of inspected vaping shops were found selling vaping products to minors under 18. Between January and October last year, 51 of
According to data from Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), more than 22% of inspected vape shops were still found selling vaping products to minors under 18, despite a legal ban having been in force in Ireland since December 2023. Between January and October last year, 51 out of 224 retailers failed spot checks by inspectors, higher than the 40 violations recorded in 2024.
The National Environmental Health Service obtained the authority to conduct test purchases in March 2024 and has carried out hundreds of inspections to enforce the law. Retailers found selling vaping products to minors face fines of up to €4,000 and up to six months in prison. Authorities have also issued dozens of prohibition orders against shops selling unregulated products.
The figures were released in response to parliamentary questions as Ireland considers further tightening its vaping laws. A proposed bill would ban disposable vaping devices, restrict flavors, and limit packaging colors and imagery to reduce their appeal to young people and their environmental harm. Lawmakers are calling for tougher measures, arguing that despite existing restrictions, flavored and brightly packaged vaping products continue to target young consumers.
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