Fergal Nealon

But the targeted marketing towards children is disgraceful.

So if you're selling a legal product, it doesn't give you the right to market it at underage children.

And that's what the signage is clearly doing.

So we regulate pub signage.

We regulate bookmaker signage.

But somehow until now, premises selling nicotine to young people have been given a free pass on how to present themselves.

And I feel that's a gap we need to close and we don't need to wait on legislation to catch up here.

Yes.

Yeah.

Very good question.

I brought this motion up in Sligo County Council and the local authorities have powers over signage.

such as size, illumination, colour and design.

So, we set the standards for our shopfront presentation.

So, the question isn't whether we have the tools, it's whether they've been enacted.

Now, since I brought the motion up in the Sligo Chamber, the Council have committed to undertaking an audit of all the vape shops in town and have confirmed they have powers of enforcement on this matter.

Now, we got some local press on this issue in Sligo last week, and within a few days, the worst offender had removed the shopfront signage.

So I think when the signage comes down, the second someone shines a spotlight on it, before legislation, national legislation is caught up, the owner is telling you everything you need to know.

They knew it was wrong and they just thought nobody would call them out on it.

Yes, we've been in touch with the Minister of Health on that.

There is a bill from the Minister at the very first stage.