The ban on cigarette and vape vending machines will “black market” cigarettes, according to a smokers’ rights group. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced today the ban on vape and cigarette vending machines will come into effect in September 2025. 

He said the Government hopes to “denormalise the sale of tobacco products”. 

Simon Clark, director of smokers’ rights group FOREST said it is “very petty” to ban the self-sale of tobacco products. 

“There are so many restrictions on tobacco products already,” he said, noting discussions to increase the minimum smoking age to 21 in the UK. 

He said the main issue is cigarette vending machines “pose very little risk to children”. 

“The overwhelming majority of cigarette vending machines are very well policed by publicans and hoteliers,” he said. 

“Restrictions are already in place to stop children from using them – machines are token-operated so you have to go up to the bar to request one. 

“So clearly it’s very difficult for children to access them.” 

Vape and cigarette vending machines

Mr Clark claimed the ban on vending machines for tobacco products will actually fuel the rise of “black market” sales. 

“Vending machines are a convenience to adult consumers,” he said. 

“They are quite expensive so they’re not popular... but if it’s 10pm late at night and the shops are closed, then [the vending machine] is convenient. 

“If you ban vending machines there will be a guy at the corner of the bar flogging cheap, illegal cigarettes. 

“The trouble is with so many anti-smoking regulations, they’re counterproductive to what is intended. 

“In this case, you’re clearly going to benefit black market sellers who are sitting there more than happy to sell you illegal cigarettes.” 

Vape vending machine. Image: imageBROKER.com GmbH & Co. KG / Alamy Stock Photo

Vape vending machines do not require a token to purchase a product, and the Government has said more restrictions on their sale will prevent children from using them. 

Mr Clark said while there is “clearly” an issue with children vaping, banning vending machines won’t make a difference. 

“You've got to crack down on those people who are sling the vapes in the first place,” he said. 

“Simply taking away vending machines which are already quite difficult to access, is merely going to inconvenience adult consumers.” 

Mr Donnelly announced the decision to plan cigarette vending machines on World No Tobacco Day.