The General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill proposes a prohibition on point-of-sale display and advertising in shops other than those who only or primarily sell these products.

There are also plans to restrict the use of colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games.

In a statement, Minister Donnelly, said: “As a Government we introduced a ban on the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under 18s.

“However we must go further and this legislation will tackle the rise in the use of ’vapes’ among children and young people by reducing their attractiveness and availability.

“Nicotine is addictive and the long-term effects of these products is not yet known, so it is important to act.

“I know that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking so these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to remain available.

“The measures I am taking are to reduce use among the youth, so that our children can grow up without the risks associated with these products.”

Flavours

The Bill also includes a prohibition on all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names.

It also suggests a limit on flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with provisions to amend the list of allowed flavours as new evidence presents.

Read more: Ban on sale of vapes to under-18s comes into force on Friday, 22 December