IVVA raises concern over flavour ban on e-cigarettes in proposed regulation

The Irish Vape Vendors Association (IVVA) has raised concerns over the proposed clause of flavour ban on e-cigarettes in the proposed Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2019 which aims to regulate e-cigarettes in Ireland.

In the opening remark at the Oireachtas Health meet to discuss the Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2019, Declan Connolly of the IVVA said: “A flavour ban on e-cigarettes could damage tobacco harm reduction and consumer choice.”

” IVVA is deeply concerned with the negative effects a flavor ban could have on tobacco harm reduction and consumer choice. The main argument in favour of banning flavoured e-liquids is the potential risk of making vaping products more attractive to minors with child-friendly flavourings and packaging. The association between vaping flavours and subsequent smoking initiation is not substantiated by evidence.”

He added: “We believe in protecting youth and that the most effective way of preventing youth consumption is by enforcing legal age control and strict advertising rules. IVVA respectfully calls on decision and policymakers to have a closer look at the potential consequences of such a ban.”

“Currently there are approximately 200,000 e-cigarette users in Ireland. The majority of these vapers, have given up smoking completely. 38pc of those who made an attempt to quit smoking in Ireland in 2019 used e-cigarettes during this attempt. “This should be encouraged,” he added.

The IVVA welcomes most aspects of this bill. “In particular, we welcome the proposed over 18’s legislation.”

It also welcomes the proposed new licensing scheme for retailers of vaping products, assuming that same will be proportionate. We believe that there is a level of responsibility for those who sell vaping products and that a fair licensing scheme will help to monitor and protect vape related sales.