Health charity urges Stormont return over disposable vapes ban

A leading health charity has renewed calls for Stormont’s return after it emerged a new ban on disposable vapes will not apply to Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plans during a school visit on Monday as part of an effort to tackle a rise in young people vaping.

The devolved governments in Scotland and Wales are expected to pass similar legislation, but this will not be possible in Northern Ireland unless power sharing is restored.

Fidelma Carter from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke welcomed the development, but said she hoped the “inactive” Stormont Assembly would be back soon.

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“We endorse the message that people should only use vapes as a short-term measure to help them quit smoking and that if you don’t smoke you shouldn’t take up vaping,” she said.

She also called for more regulation of shops selling vapes, stating they should have to register with their council as is already required for tobacco.

“This would help councils to ensure that retailers are only selling vapes to people who are aged 18 and over,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “The department will make the necessary preparations to allow incoming ministers and the NI Assembly to take a decision on introducing the regulations in Northern Ireland.”

Alliance Party health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, added: “It is crucial that Northern Ireland does not become a straggler here, and I am aware that the Department of Health already has legislation prepared to introduce a similar ban.

“The overall objective must be for a smoke-free Northern Ireland. There is no question that vaping is detrimental to health, as well as to the environment in terms of the impact of disposable vapes, and that vaping should only be potentially viable as an aid to help people off cigarettes.

“This only reinforces the need to have an Assembly back and acting swiftly, so that legislation can be urgently progressed with the aim of protecting our long-term health.”

Meanwhile, a manufacturer of vaping products in Northern Ireland - VaporLinQ - said the measures were “extreme” and would only boost the black market.

“This is a missed opportunity as we are firmly on the record for encouraging enhanced regulations to eradicate the black market and this will likely have the opposite effect,” a spokesperson said.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards within the vaping industry, all while extending our assistance to as many people as possible on their path to quitting smoking.”