Urgent: Ireland Bans Cigarettes and Vapes from Vending Machines

URGENT UPDATE: Starting Monday, September 29, 2023, Ireland will officially ban the sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes from vending machines, a significant move aimed at protecting children from accessing harmful products. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce smoking rates to under 5%.

Authorities confirm that the ban targets self-service machines commonly found in pubs and nightclubs, where the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland reports a decline in usage in recent years. However, some establishments still rely on these machines for additional income.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, emphasized the urgency of this ban, 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.” The government’s goal is to implement a robust tobacco control policy that ultimately saves lives.

Minister of State for Public Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, pointed out that vending machines have historically provided “an avenue of easy access” to nicotine, contributing to early experimentation among youth and long-term addiction.

The latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates that 18% of the Irish population are current smokers, highlighting the pressing need for intervention. The government’s tobacco and nicotine plan aims to drastically cut these figures.

While the Vintners’ Federation acknowledges the decreasing popularity of vending machines, they remain a source of income for certain pubs. A spokesperson stated, “We will continue to keep members informed about the change and ensure they understand their obligations under the new law.” Importantly, staff in pubs will still retain access to these machines.

As this ban takes effect, all eyes will be on its impact on smoking rates and public health in Ireland. The government’s decisive action reflects a commitment to creating a healthier society and preventing the next generation from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.