An influential group of Irish MPs has called for all vape flavours (except tobacco) to be banned, in a move which could decimate the country’s e-cigarette industry.
The Oireachtas health committee made 22 recommendations it wants to see in proposed new legislation for tobacco and e-cigarettes.
The committee has heard evidence from many interested parties including Vape Business Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation and others.
Committee chair Seán Crowe said:
“Significant evidence came to light regarding the harms of e-cigarettes, particularly for adolescents and young adults.
“Evidence was also provided about growing trends of vaping among teenagers and the easy accessibility and marketing of such products, with the use of brightly-coloured packaging and flavours as well as the use of online marketing to attract younger people to these products.”
The health committee’s recommendations included:
- All e-cigarette flavours (except for tobacco) should be strictly prohibited so as not to entice minors.
- Measures to restrict the use of brightly coloured packaging and further regulation in the form of plain packaging restrictions should be implemented.
- All forms of e-cigarette advertising and promotions, including on billboards, online on all social media platforms, and influencer marketing methods should be prohibited.
- The harms associated with the consumption of e-cigarettes should be communicated to the public in a simple and effective manner and
- The sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18 should be restricted.
Vape advocates universally support banning vape sales to under 18s, but dispute much of the rest of the Committee’s findings.
Michael Landl, Director of World Vapers’ Alliance, said:
“Banning flavours would spell disaster for smokers who want to quit, current vapers, and public health because flavours help former smokers stay away from cigarettes forever.
“Scientific data shows that vapers who use flavours are twice as likely to quit smoking as those who use tobacco flavours.
“A flavour ban could push 115,000 Irish vapers back to smoking. Therefore, we urge policymakers to listen to science and treat vaping accordingly.”
He also opposed the imposition of advertising restrictions and plain packaging for vape products adding:
“Advertisement restrictions and plain packaging for vaping prevent crucial information from reaching consumers about the relative risks of different products.”
Vape Business Ireland expressed ‘deep concern’ about the proposals, which it said would delay implementation of an under 18 vaping ban.
Spokesperson Eoin O’Boyle said:
“As an industry, we are deeply concerned that some of the proposed recommendations will delay the enactment of the legislation, which could undermine its whole purpose.
“The report prioritised claims from stakeholders who pointed to outdated evidence, as well as research which falls short of international standards.”
The Irish Heart Foundation, however, welcomed banning flavours, saying it would prevent young people from vaping.
IHF advocacy officer Mark Murphy said:
“Vape manufacturers clearly use flavours – and research has identified thousands of them – that they know will attract minors.
“Many products are sold in bright, attractive packaging with cartoon characters designed to entice young people.”
