The distribution of free vapes in Dublin nightclubs and pubs in exchange for brand endorsement has been dubbed “nasty, cheap marketing.”
Salt Vape Ireland recently ran the marketing in about five different locations throughout Dublin, giving customers free vape products and requiring them to follow on their Instagram page in exchange.
Meanwhile, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Director of Advocacy, Chris Macey, has condemned the act.
“From the standpoint of the Irish Heart Foundation, it is truly appalling.” “This sleazy, low-cost advertising is going to addict the younger generation; it’s just totally incorrect,” he stated.
“The importance of electronic cigarettes is in assisting long-term smokers who are unable to quit.” Addicting youngsters to nicotine can’t be healthy; the majority of these individuals aren’t smokers, therefore it’s not like they’re attempting to stop.
“An entirely new generation of people is becoming addicted to tobacco.” They are more highly susceptible to deceptive promotional strategies like this one when they are out socializing. There should be restrictions in place to stop this, it’s a scandalous practice,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland, Professor Luke Clancy, believes that vapes will encourage more individuals to start smoking.
Prof Clancy commented on the Salt Vape initiative, saying, “It’s not a crime as far as I understand, but is it a wise idea?” It is, however, if you intend to market vapes, as they do.
“They are adhering to the regulations in order to market their goods and addict as many individuals as possible. The issue is if they should be permitted to do this.
“In my viewpoint, our current regime has been extremely lax in keeping people safe from electronic cigarette addiction.”
“It is not unlawful to offer them to kids, it is not unlawful to target teenagers on social networking sites, and they are becoming more popular than smoking among 16-year-olds.”
According to what I can tell, the impact of electronic cigarettes in the future will be a rise in the number of smokers, which is a negative thing.”
“Throughout the last 25 years, smoking among teenagers has declined, but they are starting to rise again.” It’s unclear why, but the real fear is that vapes are operating as a gateway drug,” he added.
Mr. Macey and Professor Clancy both believe that electronic cigarettes are endangering young people’s health and have urged the authorities to take action.
“Young people’s and children’s health are at stake; you must take action.” Mr. Macey stated, “The Department of Health is not doing enough and should get their act together.”
“We want extremely restrictive laws.” The government is making a big deal out of prohibiting the selling of electronic cigarettes to anyone below the age of 18, but they have to go much further.
“We want all flavors outlawed, and plain boxes since these packs are marketed to young folks.” We want a complete ban on all marketing, as well as an increase in the sale of e-cigarettes to individuals above the age of 21.
“Vapes are dangerous; they can harm the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.” Tobacco use can have long-term negative consequences for brain development.
“If you glance at the global vaping sector, you’ll notice that they advertise vaping as a method for assisting long-term kick the habit.” However, advertisements are deliberately targeting young people without facing any consequences.
“Teens who vape are three to five times more likely to start smoking.”
Prof Clancy continued, “Vape use is increasing among kids, and the government is doing nothing.” We’re among the few who haven’t.
“The government is attempting to pass legislation prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors under the age of 18. Even if such legislation was in existence, marketing and endorsement would be permitted.
“We’ve been studying childhood smoking for 25 years.” For the first time within these 25 years, smoking among 16-year-olds increased in 2019, which we ascribe to vapes,” he added.
Salt Vape Ireland stated in a statement that the marketing strategy is an effort to “interact with our main customers (above-18s) and is targeted at individuals who are already vapers/smokers.”
“Whereas there are no laws instructing above-18 purchases at this time,” the statement stated, “we firmly believe this category should only engage with over-18s.”
“Salt Vapes is a 100 percent recyclable device with a child lock and nicotine-free flavor options.”
