Proposed vaping rules could force products out of sight in Northern Ireland shops

Vapes could be kept behind counters or inside closed cabinets in Northern Ireland shops under proposed new rules aimed at reducing their appeal to children and young people.

The public is being asked for its views on plans that could also require plain white packaging, restrict flavour names and limit vape devices to white, black or grey.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he intends to introduce regulations in Northern Ireland following the UK-wide consultation, which forms part of the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act.

The Department of Health said 15% of young people aged 11 to 18 in Northern Ireland vape, with 65% of those reporting that they do so every day.

Products could be kept behind shop counters

The proposed restrictions would bring the display of vaping and nicotine products into line with rules covering tobacco products.

This could mean vapes being stored out of sight behind shop counters or inside closed cabinets rather than being openly displayed.

Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

Mr Nesbitt said the way products are presented in shops, sometimes alongside confectionery, has contributed to the growth of vaping among young people.

He said:

“Restricting the visibility of these products will lessen their appeal to children and young people, which in turn will reduce youth vaping and prevent future generations from nicotine addiction.

“Following public consultation, I intend to make regulations for Northern Ireland to restrict the display of vaping and nicotine products, which may include storing products out of sight, such as behind the counter or in closed cabinets.”

The Minister encouraged people across Northern Ireland to respond and help shape the regulations eventually introduced.

“It is vital that we get the views from the public on the future of displaying and packaging of these products,” he added.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to respond to this consultation.”

Plain packaging and flavour restrictions proposed

The consultation is seeking views on introducing plain white packaging for vapes and other nicotine products.

Branding, imagery and text colours could be restricted, while safety information would be presented in a standardised format.

Flavour names could also be limited to simple, recognisable descriptions such as “Apple”.

Names referring to sweets, confectionery, desserts or alcohol would be banned, alongside concept or sensory descriptions designed to make products sound more appealing.

Vape manufacturers could also be required to produce devices only in white, black or grey.

The devices would have limited branding, no images or cosmetic lighting, while screens would be permitted to show only safety information such as battery levels.

Under-18 sales ban begins in October

The Tobacco and Vapes Act became law on 29 April and gives authorities new powers to regulate packaging, flavours, product appearance and shop displays.

From 29 October, the legislation will prevent all vapes, including non-nicotine products, and other nicotine products from being sold to anyone under the age of 18.

Part 3 of the Act allows Northern Ireland’s Department of Health to make regulations governing the display of tobacco, vaping and related products.

Following the consultation, the UK Health Secretary is expected to use separate powers under the legislation to introduce regulations covering packaging and the appearance of devices.

The consultation also proposes extending plain packaging, health warnings and display restrictions across a wider range of tobacco-related products.

Warning over nicotine addiction

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride, said nicotine addiction could have lifelong consequences for children.

“The display of nicotine products undoubtedly encourages young people to purchase these types of products,” he said.

“Nicotine addiction can have lifelong consequences on children, including brain development issues, leading to learning and mental health disorders.”

Professor McBride acknowledged that vapes can help adult smokers to quit but stressed that they are not risk-free and should never be used by children.

“We must protect future generations from serious harm,” he said.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Act will go a long way in addressing these issues, and we really want to hear from the public in NI.”

Responses from Northern Ireland will now help determine how vaping and nicotine products may be packaged, described and displayed when the new regulations are drawn up.