Forest Ireland slams council support for workplace vaping ban

Mon 15th May, 2023

A Cork-based consumer group has slammed Cork County Council after councillors supported a motion to ban the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants.

The motion, proposed at a council meeting last week by Fine Gael councillor Liam Madden, received unanimous support from fellow councillors who agreed to write to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

Forest Ireland, which represents smokers and vapers, said the proposal was "excessive, disproportionate, and counter-productive".

Spokesman John Mallon said:

"E-cigarettes have helped many smokers quit combustible cigarettes, which are potentially far more harmful to the consumer.

"There is no evidence that being exposed to e-cigarette vapour is a health risk, so banning vaping in public places would be excessive, disproportionate, and counter-productive."

He added:

"If councillors want to improve public health they would encourage smokers to switch to e-cigarettes, not put unnecessary obstacles in their way.

"Bars and restaurants are private businesses so proprietors must be allowed to decide their own vaping policy, without government intervention.

"The smoking ban did enormous damage to pubs and bars. Banning vaping will drive more customers away at a time when the hospitality industry needs help not hindrance."

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