Vape products the target of new legislation welcomed by Mayo Senator

Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy has welcomed draft legislation that, if passed, will impose restrictions on vaping products.

The Mayo Senator said the proposed bill 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.

Senator Duffy said these products are clearly designed to target young people.

“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,” he said.

“[The legislation] 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.”

While a one-off registration system exists for tobacco sales, no such system exists for nicotine-inhaling products. Senator Duffy said this has led to “unregulated sales” in sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shops and fast-food takeways.

“The new system will require annual license applications with compliance declarations, alongside increased penalties for offenses, including suspensions and revocations for repeat violations,” he said. “This legislation is really welcome; it responds to the concerns of so many parents and families."