Ireland Raises Legal Smoking Age to 21, First in EU

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jul.03.2024
Ireland Raises Legal Smoking Age to 21, First in EU
Irish government raises tobacco sales age to 21 in effort to reduce smoking rates and protect public health.

Recently, according to the official website of the Irish government, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced that the government has approved legislation to raise the minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco products to 21. The "2024 Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act" has now been submitted for implementation.

 

Taking this measure is aimed at accelerating the reduction of the adult smoking rate, which has remained stable at 18% for many years. This is also one of a series of actions designed to reduce the youth smoking rate to zero.

 

Tangna Li said:

 

As a society, it is time for us to move forward on this issue. Smoking still causes 4,500 deaths annually and remains the leading single cause of disability and death in our country.

 

The purpose of implementing this measure is to help our young people avoid lifelong addiction and illness from smoking. Models show that this measure can not only protect the target age group but also those under 18, as they are less likely to be within social groups of 21-year-olds who can legally purchase cigarettes.

 

Countries around the world are researching the final measures to control smoking. We are no longer regulating smoking; we are seeking to eliminate it from our lives and the lives of our children. I am proud that Ireland continues its tradition of leading the way on this issue, and today's measures are another important step towards a smoke-free Ireland.

 

Ireland will become the first EU country to implement this measure. To do so, a transition period will be put in place to ensure that individuals who are already eligible to purchase tobacco products, i.e. those over the age of 18 but under 21, will not be affected.

 

Minister of State for Public Health, Welfare, and National Drug Strategy Colm Burke expressed:

 

I welcome the government's approval of this very important public health measure. The harm caused by combustible tobacco smoking is catastrophic, leading to many diseases and shortened lifespan. We must take decisive action to ensure the protection of our youth.

 

This new measure will help the next generation avoid the many burdens of smoking, and support them in living longer and healthier lives. I look forward to working with the Minister of Health to implement this law as soon as possible.

 

Ireland aims to become the first country in the EU to raise the minimum age for selling tobacco products to 21. Latvia has already passed a law to increase the minimum sales age to 20 by 2025.

 

The proposed legislation will not affect the legal minimum age for the sale of nicotine inhalation products or e-cigarettes. Since December, Ireland has banned the sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18. There is currently no proposal to extend this ban to 21.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Chinese brands Geek Bar, Raz, and Breeze are quickly rising in the U.S. e-cigarette market, now holding a combined 25.1% share, Goldman Sachs reports. While Vuse and Juul lost ground, Geek Bar Pulse jumped 729%, Raz 233%, and Breeze 105% over the past year.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. – Texas Amends Vaping Bill to Ban E-Cigarettes Containing Ingredients from China or “Hostile Nations”
U.S. – Texas Amends Vaping Bill to Ban E-Cigarettes Containing Ingredients from China or “Hostile Nations”
Texas has amended SB 2024 to ban e-cigarettes containing e-liquids from China or other “hostile nations,” upgrading violations to a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also expands oversight to nicotine-free products and strengthens restrictions on youth-targeted marketing.
Jun.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Insight | DOJO Launches Own E-Liquid Brand, Set to Hit Shelves in Germany
2Firsts Insight | DOJO Launches Own E-Liquid Brand, Set to Hit Shelves in Germany
The e-cigarette brand DOJO has unveiled DOJOLIQ, its self-developed e-liquid line co-created with the VAPORESSO team. The product comes in 10ml bottles and features 10 flavors, primarily fruit-based. It is now listed on several German online vape retail platforms and will be available for purchase soon.
Jun.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Medical Association Urges Nationwide E-Cigarette Ban Amid Rising Student Usage
Malaysian Medical Association Urges Nationwide E-Cigarette Ban Amid Rising Student Usage
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on the government to impose a nationwide ban on the sale of e-cigarettes. The MMA pointed out that the use of e-cigarettes among young people continues to rise, with nearly 20,000 cases of student use reported on school grounds alone.
May.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Estonia Bans Flavored Heated Tobacco Sales from Feb 2026 Under New Law
Estonia Bans Flavored Heated Tobacco Sales from Feb 2026 Under New Law
Estonia’s parliament has passed an amendment to the Tobacco Act, banning the sale of flavored and scented heated tobacco products starting January 31, 2026. The revision sets rules on product composition, labeling, and penalties for violations. Manufacturers must submit product information to health authorities before market entry.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Considers Higher Taxes on E-Cigarettes to Curb Youth Usage
Philippines Considers Higher Taxes on E-Cigarettes to Curb Youth Usage
The Philippines may raise e-cigarette taxes to curb teenage use, which has hit 40%. The Senate is debating a tax reform, stressing the need for strict enforcement against illegal trade. A biennial tax adjustment plan is proposed to boost government revenue.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai