New Licensing For Sale Of Tobacco And Nicotine Inhaling Products Set To Be Implemented As A Step Towards Tobacco Free Ireland
The Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy have announced the introduction of new licensing on the sale of tobacco and other nicotine products under the Public Health Act 2023.
The new order will require retailers selling these products to obtain an annual license. The annual license fee has been set at €1000 for tobacco-based products and €800 for all other nicotine inhaling products. Licenses are only available for permanent premises and will not be provided to temporary establishments at festivals and other events. These licenses can also be revoked if the retailer is found to be in breach of any conditions.
Under the new act, retail workers selling these products will have to be over the age of eighteen. Some exceptions may be made in the case that the retail worker is a family member of the retailer.
This system is set to be implemented on the 2nd of February 2025.
Speaking about the new licensing introduction, The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said: “I’m hopeful that the introduction of an annual fee from next year for the sale of tobacco products will act as a disincentive for some retailers to stock these products at all as it is the government’s objective to eliminate tobacco use. Similarly, it is my intention that a licensing regime for nicotine inhaling products will similarly reduce the number of outlets where they are sold, in turn reducing the use of vapes by young people and non-smokers.
“Retailers have always shown cooperation and compliance on the introduction of new tobacco control measures, and I look forward to that same spirit on the introduction of this system. Retailers have known that this system was planned since we introduced the legislation in 2023, and I’m confident that the significant further 13-month lead-in time will ensure retailers have sufficient notice to prepare for this. It will be another important achievement within our overall strategy to reach a tobacco free Ireland.”
Also speaking about the new licensing scheme, The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke said: “The introduction of this licensing system means that our enforcement agency will have up to date information and oversight of the sale of these products throughout our country. Tobacco products alone cause an estimated 4,500 deaths each year in our country as well as an enormous range of diseases and serious health complications.
“Ireland has long been a world leader in implementing effective measures to drive down smoking rates and reduce tobacco-related harm, and these measures are an important step in safeguarding the health of our population now and for future generations.”