A COUNCILLOR who has highlighted the dangers of vaping has welcomed developing legislation in Westminster and urged members to “play their part” to ensure this is replicated in Northern Ireland.

Last week Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at Westminster, which aims to introduce a progressive smoking ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the UK, so that anyone born on or after  January 1, 2009 will never be able to legally be sold cigarettes.

The inclusion of Northern Ireland in the new Bill will be subject to the agreement of the NI Executive and support of the NI Assembly.

Minister Nesbitt said: “The proposed measures in this Bill offer a huge public health opportunity to reduce preventable death and illness.

"This is particularly important in communities where the prevalence of tobacco use is the largest contributor to health inequalities. Reducing these health inequalities across Northern Ireland is one of my key areas of focus and I am positive this legislation will make a very significant difference going forward.” 

He added: “This Bill will also stop vapes and other consumer nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, from being branded and advertised to appeal to children. Together these measures will help stop the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.

“I intend to introduce a Legislative Consent motion shortly and it is my sincere hope that Assembly colleagues will remain supportive of the new and enhanced provisions included in the Bill. Meanwhile, my Department will continue to work closely with the UK Government on the range of proposals being considered within the new Bill.”

Dr. Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health said the Bill: “ has the potential to create a seismic shift in our health and wellbeing by reducing the harmful effects of tobacco. No other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users. Not only does smoking cause harm for those who smoke but it also has a negative impact on those around them.

“There is also still uncertainty around the long-term health effects of vaping. While it can help some people quit smoking, many young people who vape have never smoked, and become addicted to nicotine through vapes. We must do everything we can to reduce the harmful effect of tobacco and vaping use on our population.

“Ensuring people do not become addicted to smoking or vaping in the first place, and helping current smokers to quit, are two effective measures we can take to protect our population’s health, and the PHA will continue to work to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Northern Ireland to create a smokefree generation.”

Councillor Barry McElduff, Sinn Féin told a recent meeting: “We (Council) have been active in dealing with and promoting the idea of anti-vaping legislation. There is currently developing legislation around this and I would request an updated report on that is brought to the relevant committee, just so that we can play our part to see that legislation transposed to the Assembly as soon as possible.”

This was seconded by Alliance Councillor Eddie Roofe and agreed across the chamber.