South Korean Parliament Passes Bill Banning E-Cigarette Vending Machines Near Schools

Jul.25.2025

On July 23, South Korea passed a bill banning e-cigarette vending machines in school zones. Previously unregulated due to classification gaps, e-cigarettes are now included under the revised Education Environment Protection Act to better protect student health.

Key points:

·South Korea has passed a new law prohibiting the installation and operation of e-cigarette vending machines within educational environmental protection zones.

·The new regulation addresses concerns over the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.

·The bill, passed by the National Assembly on the 23rd, enhances measures to protect the health of young people.

·It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe educational environment and has gained widespread support from society.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report by e-today on July 24th, a partial amendment to the "Education Environment Protection Act" proposed by South Korean Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Kyung-sook was passed at a plenary session of the National Assembly on the 23rd.

The current law stipulates the establishment of education environment protection zones in schools for the safety and learning of students, prohibiting designated tobacco retailers and other tobacco sellers regulated by the "Tobacco Business Act" from installing or operating cigarette vending machines in these zones.

However, under the current "Tobacco Business Act," e-cigarettes that use "tobacco stems or roots" or "synthetic nicotine" are not considered tobacco, creating issues for vending machines selling e-cigarettes within education environment protection zones.

Particularly concerning is the difficulty in verifying identities with vending machines and preventing students from purchasing e-cigarettes. Worries about the increasing trend of youth using e-cigarettes have heightened, leading to growing demands in society for strengthened multi-faceted regulations.

The bill passed at the National Assembly session includes a proposal by lawmaker Kang Kyung-sook for a partial amendment to the "Education Environment Protection Act," which includes a provision prohibiting the installation and operation of liquid e-cigarette vending machines in education environment protection zones.

Congresswoman Kang Kyung-shook pointed out:

“The growing concern over the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers has deepened, and there is a growing call in society for stronger regulation. The proposal of this legislation is aimed at protecting the health of students and creating a safe educational environment.”

References:

[1] 강경숙 의원 대표발의 , ‘ 학교 근처 전자담배 판매 금지 법안 ' 국회 본회의 통과

Also Read:

[1] South Korea Busts Etomidate-Laced E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring; Devices Suspected to Serve as Drug Carriers for 2 Million Users

[2] Heated Tobacco Battle Heats Up in South Korea: KT&G Launches Half-Price Promotion, PMI Ramps Up Marketing

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