Ireland bans tobacco and vape sales from vending machines

Convenience services operators selling nicotine products such as vapes in restricted locations — and with age-verification equipment — could face renewed scrutiny as new restrictions in Ireland have drawn attention to the sale of such products via unattended retail.

Ireland has banned the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhalation products, including vapes, from all self-service and vending machines, according to Ireland Live.

The new law, which went into effect September 29, is part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023. It seeks to reduce the availability of such products to minors and support the country’s broader tobacco control policy.

The Ireland ban affects pubs, nightclubs and other venues that previously offered tobacco and vape products through vending machines. While the use of such machines has declined in recent years, some businesses still rely on them as a source of ancillary income.

Operators are required to remove tobacco and nicotine inhalation products from all self-service and vending machines. Compliance will be monitored by Environmental Health Officers, who will conduct inspections to enforce the new regulations.