Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to introduce regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 to require vaping products in retail premises to be stored (i) out of sight; (ii) behind the counter; (iii) in closed or locked cabinets; and (iv) in such a way as to reduce their attractiveness and visibility to children.
Minister of Health: The UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Act includes a range of new regulation-making powers. The Act will prohibit the sale of all vapes – including non-nicotine products – to those under 18 and remove access via vending machines and via free distribution. It will reduce the appeal of vaping to young people through a ban on advertising and sponsorship and by providing powers to regulate flavours, packaging and point-of-sale displays to prevent youth-targeted marketing.
Current regulations prohibiting the display of tobacco products are estimated to account for a reduction of 37,000 smokers in UK and health benefits of approximately £2.8bn between 2012 and 2021.
Following public consultation, I intend to make similar 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. By reducing the visibility of these products and therefore the appeal and attractiveness to children and young people, this will reduce youth vaping and prevent future generations from nicotine addiction and the wider risk of harm from vaping and other nicotine products.
ENDS
Your MLA 