Dublin, Dec 21 (EFE).- Ireland announced a new law Thursday that prohibits the sale of vaping products to those under 18 years of age.
“I committed to bringing this ban on the sale of vaping products to under 18s into law before Christmas and I am pleased that I have been able to do that by g the commencement order,” Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said in a statement.
The new law, which comes into effect from Friday, carries a penalty of up to 4,000 euros ($4,389) and/or up to six-month imprisonment.
For 2024, the ministry has sought public consultation to decrease the appeal of nicotine-inhaling products and to discourage smoking.
“We know that young people who vape are more likely to go on to smoke, so it is important that they are not drawn to these products,” Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, said.
The new law prohibits the sale of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products at events for children as well as bans advertising these products around schools and on public transport.
Smoking in indoor workplaces, public places, and on public transportation is prohibited in Ireland.
The latest restriction on tobacco comes amidst the country’s efforts to make Ireland tobacco-free by 2025. EFE
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