site.btaParliament Adopts at First Reading Ban on Vape Devices

Parliament on Wednesday voted 197-0 at first reading, to ban the marketing and sale disposable and reusable electronic cigarettes (vapes) and similar devices. The amendments the Tobacco, Tobacco and Related Products Act were tabled by parliamentary healthcare committee chair Kostadin Angelov.

The amendments also amend the Child Protection Act by introducing a ban on the use, supply and sale to children of all nicotine-containing products, as well as energy drinks.

According to Angelov, despite a ban on the sale and use of a wide range of tobacco and tobacco related products to persons under the age of 18, including vapes, the measure is proving insufficiently effective. Many children and adolescents are in practice gaining unlawful access to e-cigarettes, both in physical outlets and on the internet, in violation of the legal provisions. 

Earlier today, Parliament unanimously adopted a draft decision on measures to prevent the marketing and sale of products containing narcotic substances.