Proposed new nicotine bill risks flawed approach due to lack of scrutiny - RVI
Responsible Vaping Ireland warns a new nicotine bill lacks scrutiny and could harm retailers and public health by potentially driving ex-smokers back to smoking.Summary
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has expressed concerns that the new Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026, recently approved, poses a risk to the livelihoods of over 3,300 independent vape retailers due to insufficient pre-legislative scrutiny. RVI criticizes the Department of Health for proceeding with legislation that differentiates between nicotine inhaling and consumption products without consulting retailers who will be most affected. The organization fears a ban on flavored vapes, proposed in the bill, could lead to a resurgence in smoking rates, reversing the stagnation observed since 2019, as highlighted by Healthy Ireland 2025. Furthermore, RVI anticipates retail leakage to Northern Ireland and a rise in illicit trade. Data from Healthy Ireland shows that 50% of e-cigarette users are ex-smokers, and approximately 23,000 Irish adults quit smoking with the help of vapes in 2024. Recent data also indicates a decline in vaping rates among young people, with a 16.4% prevalence among 15-19 year olds in 2025, down from 20.4% in 2023. RVI supports sensible regulation of vape marketing but urges the government to preserve access to flavored vapes for adults seeking to quit smoking.
(Source：retailnews.ie)
