Irish Vice Premier Vows to Tackle E-Cigarette Sales to Minors
According to a report by Buzz on October 11th, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Tanaiste Micheal Martin has pledged to crack down on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
Recently in Ireland, a student effortlessly purchased four e-cigarettes within an hour, which has garnered attention from various sectors of society. Currently, there is no legal prohibition on selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18. Michael commented on this, stating, "This is seen as a backlash from the tobacco industry against internal tobacco control policies.
These disposable e-cigarettes, priced at just 7 euros, have resulted in many teenagers developing a severe addiction to nicotine. Michael announced plans to prohibit the sale of nicotine to children as soon as possible, with the "Public Health Tobacco Products (Inhalation of Nicotine Products) 2023 Regulation" currently being reviewed in the Irish parliament.
Michael stated that he will not stop at this point. He expressed his goal of advocating for the ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, which are the primary product of choice among teenagers. He expressed great anger towards this situation, as a new generation is being deceived by nicotine.
Michael said, "What shocks me is that products like these can be sold in the market without undergoing thorough review."
He further pointed out the need to impose taxes on e-cigarettes in the future. He believes that the tobacco industry's repetitive tactics are aimed at enticing and addicting young people to smoking, thus creating a customer base.
New legislation will strengthen legal oversight on retailers establishing temporary shops and using vending machines while banning advertisements in cinemas, on public transportation, and near schools. He added, "E-cigarettes are a way for big tobacco to re-enter the market. Their harm to people has been substantial enough. We don't need a repeat of this situation."
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