Mayo Senator slams ‘vape and candy’ stores in Seanad speech

Mayo Senator Mark Duffy has taken aim at the marketing of vapes and sweets under the one premises in an address to the Seanad.

In his address, the Fine Gael senator expressed a desire for a change to the highly controversial sales tactic that has prompted much discussion in the county, labelling the practice as ‘disgusting’.

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“In County Mayo, there is multiple examples of vape and candy being sold together,” he stated. “It’s disgusting, it’s not positive from any point of view, it’s causing so many anti-social knock-on effects.”

Last year, lease of a Westport premises selling vapes and sweets was terminated by mutual agreement following pressure from residents and politicians alike.

Issues like this are not just a Mayo issue, but one which is rearing its head on the national stage according to Senator Duffy, and is one that needs prominent attention.

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“It’s totally out of kilter with what we’re trying to do in terms of town regeneration,” he said. 

“It’s one of those loopholes that is there at the minute, vaping and candy being advertised and sold together on high streets. Some of these are heritage streets.”

“If there are powers and means within your office and within your ministry to address that, I think that would be most welcome across the board.”