In a significant move to safeguard children’s health, Ireland’s Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced a ban on e-cigarette advertising in areas where children are present. Under the new provision of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, such advertisements will be prohibited, particularly before children’s films and within 200 meters of schools. Public transport will also be off-limits for e-cigarette ads.
This regulation, set to take effect by September this year, aims to curb the influence of vaping culture on young people. Minister Donnelly, marking the 20th anniversary of the smoking ban, expressed further intentions to raise the minimum smoking age to 21 and eventually ban vaping altogether. The move underscores Ireland’s commitment to prioritizing public health and protecting the well-being of its youth.