Ireland Is Banning Vape Flavors. This Shop Owner Warns It Could Cost Lives.
October 29, 2026 by reason.com
Ireland Is Banning Vape Flavors. This Shop Owner Warns It Could Cost Lives.
Ireland's planned restrictions on vape flavours are raising concerns among independent retailers and former smokers who rely on non-tobacco flavours to stay away from cigarettes.
Eoin O'Boyle, a vape shop owner in Drogheda, says his business has helped thousands of customers quit smoking and warns that the new rules could threaten both specialist retailers and smoking cessation efforts.
With smoking prevalence still at 17% in Ireland, the potential impact on tobacco harm reduction deserves attention. Protecting young people remains essential, but restrictions should also consider the role of flavours in supporting adult smokers and the risk of driving consumers towards illicit markets.
17.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 730,000 current smokers in Ireland 20.00% of men are current smokers but only 14.60% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
