4 out of 5 vape users in Northern Ireland have never been asked to verify their age compared to 45% of UK users. Despite this, a survey has shown they would support checks coming into force where the minimum age to purchase a vape in Northern Ireland or the UK is 18 years old. Campaigners say vapes are just as threatening to our nation’s health as other age-restricted items, like cigarettes and alcohol but currently have a hold over our youth who have access to vapes. The tools for age verification are easier to source too for convenience stores
The topic of age restricted sales, which made it into the Kings Speech, also tackles shoplifting. Identification has been an essential aspect in delivering The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, driven by Rishi Sunak to stop under 15 year-olds being legally sold tobacco products. The knowledge has evolved around vaping culture, there have been suppliers like Vape Supplier Limited (VSL) distributing ITL’s MyCheckr scanners to convenience stores.
