Proposed vaping rules could force products out of sight in Northern Ireland shops
Summary
The Northern Ireland Department of Health is proposing new regulations to restrict the display of vaping and nicotine products in shops. The measures, which are part of the UK-wide implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, include keeping vapes behind counters or in closed cabinets, introducing plain white packaging, and limiting flavour names to simple descriptions. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt stated that restricting visibility will lessen the appeal of these products to children and young people. The consultation also seeks views on limiting vape device colours to white, black, or grey, and banning branding, imagery, and text colours. The Tobacco and Vapes Act, which became law in April, will ban sales of vapes and nicotine products to anyone under 18 starting in October. Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride, warned that nicotine addiction can have lifelong consequences for children, including brain development issues. The consultation aims to gather public views to shape the future packaging, description, and display of these products.
(Source:loveballymena.online)