In a move that has sparked significant debate, Ireland’s health minister, Stephen Donnelly, has been granted cabinet approval to push forward with a comprehensive anti-vape bill. This legislation aims to drastically limit the availability and variety of nicotine vapes, despite opposition from public consultations. The government’s decision is reportedly driven by concerns over increasing youth vaping, although it conflicts with the results of a public consultation held between November 2023 and January 2024.

Key Components of the Proposed Bill

The anti-vape bill proposes several stringent measures, including a complete ban on the sale, manufacturing, and import of disposable vapes. Point-of-sale displays and in-store advertisements for vapes would also be banned in all retail outlets, with the exception of specialised vape shops. Furthermore, there would be substantial restrictions on the use of colourful packaging and flavour descriptions. Only basic flavour names would be allowed, and the list of permitted flavours could be amended as new scientific evidence emerges.

Public Consultation and Opposition

The public consultation on vaping conducted by the Irish government revealed that a majority of respondents opposed the proposed restrictions. Out of 15,821 participants, 63% opposed the restrictions on vape flavours, which many consider essential for transitioning from traditional cigarettes. Additionally, 58% were against extending current smoking restrictions to vaping. Despite these findings, the government has portrayed the consultation results as supportive of the new legislation, a move criticised by advocacy groups such as the New Nicotine Alliance Ireland (NNA Ireland).

Economic Implications: The Vape Tax

Another contentious aspect of the legislation is the introduction of a new vape tax. The proposed levy would add €1.23 to the cost of a typical vape, significantly higher than the European average of €0.10 to €0.30. This increase could reduce the financial incentive for individuals to switch from cigarettes to vaping, exacerbating the challenges posed by flavour restrictions and the ban on disposables.

Impact on Smoking Cessation

The proposed measures have raised concerns among harm reduction advocates. The Healthy Ireland Survey of 2023 showed that 25% of individuals who quit smoking in the past year used vapes, compared to 19% who used other nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). The ban on disposable vapes, which are popular among adults trying to quit smoking, could undermine these cessation efforts. Critics argue that such prohibitions could replicate the negative outcomes observed in countries like Australia, where similar measures led to reduced cessation rates and an increase in illicit market activity.

The Role of Flavours and Disposables

Flavours play a crucial role for many individuals attempting to quit smoking. A 2021 survey by the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (ETHRA) found that only 5.4% of adult EU vapers exclusively used tobacco-flavoured products. This highlights the importance of diverse flavour options for successful smoking cessation. Disposables, often seen as an entry-level product for smokers looking to transition, are also under threat from the proposed legislation.

Responses from the Vaping Community

The vaping community and harm reduction experts have expressed significant concern over the proposed legislation. An open letter from NNA Ireland to Minister Donnelly criticised the plans as “retrograde,” emphasising that removing effective smoking cessation tools is counterproductive. The letter, supported by international tobacco control experts, notes the correlation between increased vaping and decreased smoking rates in Ireland from 2017 to 2019.

Personal Testimonies and Expert Opinions

Personal accounts underscore the life-changing impact of vaping as a cessation tool. For instance, Ken Heffernan, a former heavy smoker, credits vaping with saving his life. Heffernan emphasises the importance of flavours in his journey, highlighting favourites like rum and raisin and maple syrup. Medical professionals, like Garrett McGovern, caution against the ban on disposables, pointing to potential unintended consequences such as increased reliance on more harmful tobacco products.

Source: Filter Mag