A recent report shows that more than 20% of vape shops in Ireland are still selling nicotine products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that came into effect in December 2023.
Between January and October 2025, inspections by the HSE’s National Environmental Health Service (HSE) found 51 retailers selling vapes to minors, representing over 22% of the shops tested.
Retailers caught violating the law face fines of up to €4,000 and six months in prison.
The HSE also carried out 496 inspections in 2025, issuing 36 prohibition orders to shops selling unregulated products.
A new proposed law seeks to address the issue further by banning disposable vapes and restricting flavours and packaging, but Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne is calling for an outright ban on brightly coloured and sweetly flavoured devices, which he believes are specifically designed to attract young people.
