Last month it was announced that Harris was proposing a ban on the sales of vaping products to young adults aged under 18. Subsequently, a measure that would ban advertising near schools and creches, and on public transport, has been added to the initial proposal.
Speaking at the launch of focus group research on flavoured vaping products by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and Irish Cancer Society, which both claim that the e-cigarettes are being marketed to minors, Harris said he will be looking into the matter.
Both health charities are arguing in favour of restrictions on advertising and sales of flavoured products. “The fact that the only purpose of flavours like strawberry milkshake, cherry crush, chocolate mint and caramel is to lure a whole new generation of children into nicotine addiction has been endorsed resoundingly by the teenagers who took part in this research,” said Tim Collins, chief executive of the IHF.
Vape Association asks for sensible regulations
In response to these claims, spokesperson for Vape Business Ireland Joe Dunne, an organization which supports the ban on sales to under-18s, said that they do not support a ban on flavours given that they play a major role in helping adults switch from smoking to vaping.
“It is our view that vaping products are a product of choice for adults and should never be sold to those under 18. Therefore, marketing and advertising of vaping products should be socially responsible and directed only at adults,” he said.
Read Further: The Irish Times
