Mayo Comhairle na Óg launch petition to tackle rising vaping levels among young people

A YOUTH group in Mayo is seeking the help of councillors to tackle vaping.

Mayo Comhairle na Óg has proposed a motion to regulate the appearance and marketing practices of vaping retailers to reduce youth appeal.

Their petition has been launched as the level of youth vaping increases at an alarming rate.

Vaping retailers often use colourful signage, bright lighting and youth-orientated branding that may unintentionally (or deliberately) appeal to young people. This, they say, contributes to the normalisation of youth vaping, damages communities through littering, and negatively impacts the health of the young people who use them.

Mayo Comhairle na Óg believes more can be done at a local level to reduce the visual appeal of these establishments to underage individuals.

They are proposing that the following actions be considered by Mayo County Council:

Restrict the use of bright neon signs, cartoon graphics, products aimed at children or other product imagery on the exterior of vaping retail shops.

Mandate that all vape shop windows be covered or display only neutral signage, in line with tobacco product restrictions.

Introduce guidelines for plain storefront designs (e.g. black and white lettering, no product advertising).

Mandate that vaping products be kept out of view in retail outlets, e.g. when behind the counter or in closed containers.

Launch a community awareness campaign on the risks of vaping, with youth-led input and messaging.

To endorse this motion, you'll find the link to print out the petition here. Sign and collect signatures, scan the form, and email it to cora.maughan@foroige.ie.