Ireland to Introduce Law Banning Disposable E-Cigarettes

According to Dublin Live's report on September 10th, it is estimated that Ireland's Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, is expected to receive government approval to draft legislation banning disposable e-cigarettes on the grounds of environmental protection and public health. The proposed law would prohibit the sale, manufacture, or import of disposable e-cigarettes in Ireland.

Industry experts have criticized the proposed ban, stating "We should not demonize these products, but rather condemn the unethical retailers who knowingly sell them to children.

Dan Marchant, Director and Co-founder of Vape Club, expressed that...

We need to impose hefty fines to ensure strict enforcement of age verification nationwide. If they can't purchase these products, they can't use them. This is how we treat cigarettes and also how we treat e-cigarettes. Responsible parties within the industry are actually urging authorities to enforce regulations and take strict action against companies that violate the rules.

The Irish Heart Foundation welcomes the ban, calling it a "milestone day for child protection." According to its spokesperson, Chris Macey,

While many countries are taking measures to provide greater protection for young people globally against the behaviors of the e-cigarette industry led by big tobacco companies, these new laws mean that young people in Ireland will be among the best protected groups in the world.

Despite these risks, the number of teenagers in Ireland using e-cigarettes has skyrocketed, with nearly a quarter of 15-17 year olds currently being users. Minister Donnelly and his government's stance may help many young people overcome nicotine addiction in the long term.

He also emphasized that this will help ensure the hard-earned achievements of the previous generation are maintained, during which time the youth smoking rate has decreased from 41% to 13%.