Ireland Sets Date for Ban on Cigarettes and Vapes from Vending Machines

A new ban on the sale of cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco products through self-service and vending machines will take effect in Ireland on September 29, 2023. This initiative aims to reduce smoking rates in the country to below 5%, according to Minister of Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The ban specifically targets access to these products for individuals under the age of 18 and will primarily affect machines located in pubs and nightclubs.

Minister Carroll MacNeill emphasized the importance of this regulation, stating, “Sometimes children have been able to access these harmful products; this is unacceptable, and this ban will ensure that this can no longer happen.” She outlined that this measure is a significant step in the government’s national tobacco control policy, aligning with broader public health strategies designed to curb tobacco and nicotine use across Ireland.

The latest statistics from the Central Statistics Office indicate that approximately 18% of the Irish population currently smokes. This new regulation is part of a comprehensive approach by the government to address tobacco and nicotine consumption, which includes the broader Tobacco Free Ireland Programme initiated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2016.

Despite the efforts being made to combat smoking, concerns have emerged regarding the resources available to address vaping. During a parliamentary session, Martina Blake, head of the HSE’s Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, informed Labour TD Marie Sherlock that the programme lacks the capacity to provide support for individuals looking to quit vaping. Blake stated, “We do not have capacity to deliver stop vaping care and are not resourced to do so.”

This limitation raises questions about the effectiveness of the current public health strategies, especially as vaping continues to gain popularity among younger demographics. The government’s commitment to reducing smoking and vaping prevalence is evident, but the challenges surrounding resource allocation and public support remain critical issues that need addressing.

As Ireland moves forward with this ban, the focus will remain on protecting the health and wellbeing of its population, particularly its youth, ensuring that harmful substances are not easily accessible. The government’s ongoing efforts to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures are expected to continue evolving in response to emerging trends in smoking and vaping behaviors.