RVI Warns That Proposed Nicotine Bill Risks Flawed Approach
Responsible Vaping Ireland warns that a new nicotine bill lacks scrutiny and could harm retailers and public health efforts.Summary
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has expressed concerns that the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026, recently approved, poses risks due to insufficient pre-legislative scrutiny regarding its impact on retailers and public health. RVI points out that the Department of Health has proceeded with legislation differentiating between nicotine-inhaling and nicotine consumption products without consulting Irish retailers who will be most affected. Data from Healthy Ireland shows that vaping plays a significant role in helping smokers quit, with 50% of e-cigarette users being former smokers and nearly 25% of those who quit in 2024 using vapes. RVI fears that banning flavored vapes, as proposed, could drive ex-smokers back to smoking and increase retail leakage to Northern Ireland, potentially fueling illicit trade. They advocate for sensible regulation of vape marketing but urge the government to protect access to flavors for adults seeking to quit smoking, especially given stagnant smoking rates since 2019.
(Source：checkout.ie)
