A Total Vape Flavour Ban Could Cause 1,660 Ex-Smokers in Wexford to Return to Cigarettes

A new study warns that proposed restrictions on vape flavours could undo years of progress in reducing smoking rates in Ireland, potentially driving up to 60,000 former smokers back to cigarettes. The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to ban all vape flavours except tobacco, poses a significant risk to adult vapers who rely on flavoured vapes to stay off cigarettes.

In Wexford, where 9,960 adults vape, about 4,980 have quit smoking. If the flavour ban is enforced, it’s estimated that 1,660 ex-smokers in the county could relapse and return to smoking. This is part of a broader national trend, where a projected 58,080 former smokers across Ireland would likely revert to cigarettes if the ban takes effect.

Research shows that flavours play a crucial role in smoking cessation. According to data from the group Respect Vapers, which represents over 320,000 adult vapers in Ireland, 73% of vapers say fruit flavours help them stay tobacco-free. Nine out of ten former smokers claim that vaping was instrumental in helping them quit, with flavoured vapes proving more effective than alternatives like nicotine patches or gum.

Using census data and a Red C survey, the study projects that 33% of adult vapers would relapse into smoking if the flavour ban passes. The findings highlight significant public health concerns, especially since smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in Ireland, responsible for around 6,000 deaths annually.

Respect Vapers is urging the government to adopt regulations that prioritise smoking cessation, protect adult consumers, and curb underage access without removing critical tools for those trying to stay smoke-free.

Respect Vapers is calling on the Minister for Health to adopt more evidence-based policies that support smoking cessation while protecting both public health and adult consumers.