Vaping legislation doesn’t go far enough as Louth councillor warns of ‘quiet epidemic of addiction’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Fears of a ‘quiet epidemic’ of young people addicted to nicotine have been raised by a Dundalk councillor who says upcoming legislation on vaping ‘doesn’t go far enough.’

The new ‘Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill' is set to come into force early next year, which will feature a raft of restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes, or vapes, as they are more commonly known.

The new laws are aimed at reducing the appeal of vaping products to young people, and will impose significant restrictions on flavours, such as fruity and bubblegum versions.

The bill will limit the concentration of nicotine allowed in a cartridge and see warning labels featured on vapes, while also prohibiting single-use disposable vapes.

Packaging restrictions on vapes will also come into force, as will a full advertising ban in retail premises where children are likely to be.

Cllr. Ciaran Fisher welcomed laws “to reduce youth access, limit environmental waste from disposable devices and bring vape retailing under tighter control” but called for a greater emphasis on reducing nicotine addiction.

“Banning flavors like bubblegum and cola is a wise move, acknowledging that these products were clearly aimed at children. However, we already have a fresh generation addicted to nicotine.”

“We are playing catch-up with this legislation, and I worry that a quiet epidemic may be unfolding. There could be a creeping societal and healthcare burden from early exposure to addiction.”

He raised concerns about “ the influx of vape shops which have had a noticeable impact on our high street and streetscapes.”

"I hope that there may be scope to limit, or create a separate type of license or planning for vape shops in Dundalk and our other urban areas. Under the new laws, these kinds of shops are the only ones who can continue to openly advertise vapes.”

Cllr. Fisher added: “If the prevalence of these shops on our main streets is something you think is negative, it's important to reach out to councillors to let them know! With the Special Planning Committee currently looking at town centres, and the County Development Plan coming up later this year, there are decisions about to be made which will have a knock on effect on what our towns look like for the next seven years.”

He said that Dundalk and other towns in Louth, have a 'Shop Front Guide' for shops. “But lot of the vape shops and new premises for one reason or the other, have not always complied with this. And this also seems to be a contributing factor to complaints made about the prevalence of these stores.”