Under-18 Vape Product Sales Ban Begins in Ireland
Photo: Timothy S. Donahue
The Irish Government has announced that the ban on selling e-cigarettes or vapes to minors takes effect from tomorrow.
Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health, obtained Cabinet approval for this measure earlier this year, which was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins in August.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill comes into effect from Friday, December 21.
From then on, it will be an offense to sell a nicotine inhaling product to someone under the age of 18. The offense will carry a penalty of a fine of up to €4,000 ($4408) and a prison sentence of up to six months.
The new bill includes measures to address smoking and vaping among adults.
Beginning today, the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products at events for children will also be prohibited, as will the self-service sale of such products.
The bill prohibits the sale of certain items to minors and restricts their advertisement in schools and on public transport. It also provides for increased enforcement, according to media reports.
The bill also allows for additional enforcement powers to the Environmental Health Service for measures in the bill and for all previous Tobacco Control Acts.