Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced today the ban on vape and cigarette vending machines will come into effect in September 2025.Simon Clark, director of smokers’ rights group FOREST said it is “very petty” to ban the self-sale of tobacco products.
“Restrictions are already in place to stop children from using them – machines are token-operated so you have to go up to the bar to request one.Mr Clark claimed the ban on vending machines for tobacco products will actually fuel the rise of “black market” sales.“They are quite expensive so they’re not popular... but if it’s 10pm late at night and the shops are closed, then is convenient.
“The trouble is with so many anti-smoking regulations, they’re counterproductive to what is intended.