Ireland bans the sale of cigarettes and vapes from vending machines to reduce smoking rates and underage access.
Key points:
- New regulations: Ireland implemented new regulations on cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco products on September 29, which prohibit the sale of such products through vending machines.
- Current smoking data: The latest data from the Central Statistics Office of Ireland shows that about 18% of the Irish population still smokes.
- Current status of related plans: The “Smoke-Free Ireland Plan” was launched in 2016, and the person in charge stated that there are no resources or capabilities to provide services for vape users who want to quit smoking. They had previously refused help for this group.
Ireland implements new regulations banning the sale of tobacco products through vending machines
According to RSVP, Ireland implemented new regulations related to cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco products on September 29, 2025, prohibiting the sale of these products through vending machines. Such vending machines are commonly found in bars and nightclubs.
Irish Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill stated that this measure aims to reduce Ireland’s smoking rate to below 5%.
Officials have confirmed that the above-mentioned new regulations will officially take effect on September 29th.
Minister Carol MacNeil emphasized that the main objective of the ban is to reduce access for individuals under 18 years old to such products.
This new regulation is part of the Irish government’s comprehensive tobacco and nicotine control plan aimed at reducing the number of smokers and vape users nationwide.
According to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office of Ireland, around 18% of the Irish population is still engaged in smoking.
It was previously reported that the Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, a subsidiary of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, had refused to assist vape users who were willing to quit smoking.
The Smoke-Free Ireland initiative was established in 2016 as part of the Healthy Ireland in the Health Services Implementation Plan. Its goal is to improve public health, enhance well-being, and reduce the number of smokers.
During a parliamentary inquiry, Martina Blake, head of the “Smoke-Free Ireland” program, told Labour Party MP Marie Sherlock that the program currently does not have the resources to address issues related to vapes.
She stated, “We currently cannot provide services related to quitting smoking (vapes), and we also lack the resources needed to carry out this work.
