Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is encouraging the public to shape new regulations aimed at reducing the appeal of vaping products to children. The call comes as a UK-wide consultation launches today (10 July 2026) on proposals to introduce plain packaging, restrict how flavours are described, and keep vapes out of sight in retail settings.

The consultation is part of the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. From 29 October, the Act will make it illegal to sell any vape or nicotine product to someone under 18 across the UK.

In Northern Ireland, 15 percent of 11-to-18-year-olds vape, with 65 percent of those doing so daily, according to Public Health Agency research. Minister Nesbitt said that restricting the visibility of these products would lessen their appeal, which in turn would reduce youth vaping and prevent future generations from nicotine addiction.

Evidence shows that vapes are sometimes displayed alongside confectionery, he said. Following the consultation, he intends to make regulations requiring vapes and nicotine products to be stored out of sight, such as behind counters or in closed cabinets.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added that nicotine addiction can have lifelong consequences for children, including brain development issues leading to learning and mental health disorders. He stressed that vapes should never be used by children, though they can help adult smokers quit.

The consultation proposes that all vape devices be limited to white, black or grey, and that packaging be standardised with restrictions on text colour, imagery and branding. Flavour names would be simplified to recognisable descriptions. For tobacco products, the proposals include extending plain packaging to cigars and cigarette papers, adding health warnings and quit-themed inserts to all packs, and removing displays in duty-free areas.

The consultation follows a ban on single-use vapes from 1 June 2025. Additional measures scheduled later include a Vaping Products Duty from 1 October 2026, a ban on vending machine sales and free distribution of vapes from 29 October 2026, and an end to vape advertising and sponsorship from 1 June 2027.

Anti-smoking charity ASH estimates that 19 percent of 11-to-17-year-olds in the UK have tried vaping, equating to about 1.1 million, with two percent vaping daily. The consultation seeks views on further restrictions for all nicotine products, including pouches.

Minister Nesbitt said it was vital the public responded to the consultation to help shape future policy. Professor McBride also encouraged people in Northern Ireland to take part, saying their views would help protect future generations from serious harm.