Mayo councillors differ over vape shop restrictions

A Claremorris councillor has opposed a motion by a colleague to impose restrictions on vape shops.

At the February meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Marie Therese Duffy called on the local authority to restrict the use of bright neon signs, cartoon graphics and products aimed at children or other product imagery on the exterior of vape shops and to mandate that windows in these premises be covered or only display neutral signage in line with tobacco product restrictions. She also suggested that vaping products be kept out of view in retail outlets, either behind the counter or in closed containers.

However, Cllr Richard Finn opposed the motion, saying he was speaking from the perspective of someone who uses vapes.

"We have ratepayers in this county, we have people who try to do business, we have people who like a smoke, people who like a vape, we have shops with different imagery on their windows. Thank God we have the freedom that our businesspeople and community can decide how they advertise their products and what they are selling. 

"I am not in favour of restricting businesspeople in the operation or even more, the promotion of their business. There was a big hullabaloo prior to the last government around vaping, as to the colour of them, the type, everything about vapes. As far as I am concerned it was only an excuse to put excise duty on vapes and to increase the cost of vapes.” 

Cllr Finn said he "feels sorry" for young people who have to grow up in a country with so many restrictions.

Cllr Duffy thanked Cllr Finn for his contribution and explained that the motion actually originated from the Comhairle na nÓg organisation in its own bid to protect young people from vaping, and she wished to acknowledge the work they are doing to protect the health of children. 

“Just to clarify, this motion is in relation to children and teenagers and is not anything to do with adults vaping. A high percentage of our population do vape and this isn’t aimed at adults at all.” 

Cllr Annie May Reape supported the motion “totally” as did Cllr Sean Carey and Cllr Gerry Coyle, while Cllr Donna Sheridan also fully supported the call, stating that nine-year olds with lung damage from vaping are now being seen by paediatricians. 

However, Director of Services Catherine McConnell said the council has no authority to direct vape shops in such matters. 

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.