Following today’s meeting with cabinet where Minister Simon Harris brought forward proposed legislation to prohibit the sale of vaping products to those under 18, the Irish Vape Vendors Association (IVVA) welcomes this development. Speaking about today’s announcement Joanne O’ Connell, Director of IVVA says “When IVVA was founded in 2014, one of the very first rules to be included in our Code of Conduct, was that IVVA members do not sell ecigarette products to those under 18 years of age. This policy is strictly enforced by all our members, and we welcome legislation that will back up our existing policy.”

Regarding proposed new licensing system for the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, O’ Connell says that “IVVA remain open to consultation on this matter. Given that e-cigarettes / vaping is  demonstrably much safer than smoking and  that vaping is currently the most popular “quit smoking” method in Ireland, it is of vital importance that a licensing system for the retail of e-cigarettes is proportionate.”

The Irish Vape Vendors Association (IVVA) is an association that represents independent retailers of vaping products in Ireland. We advocate for evidence based policy on these reduced risk products. Members of IVVA are not owned, nor are under the control of either Big Tobacco or Pharmaceutical companies.