AQW 17853/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 08/11/2024
Answered On Date: 25/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the work of the Trading Standards Service in preventing the sale of vape products to children.

Answer:

This is a matter for the Department of Health given its responsibility for the health impacts of tobacco and vapes. The legislative framework here provides that District Councils are primarily responsible for the enforcement of age of sale restrictions in respect of tobacco and nicotine vapes. The Department (via the Public Health Agency) funds Tobacco Control Officers to carry out test purchasing exercises and engage with retailers to support compliance with existing legislation.