Compliance and Enforcement

The HSE's Environmental Health Service enforces a range of legislative and regulatory measures, including provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act governing smoking in the workplace and sales of tobacco to minors.

In relation to the sale of tobacco to minors, the HSE undertakes compliance checks, also known as test purchases, in retail outlets to determine if retailers will sell tobacco products to minors.

In general, compliance with the Public Health (Tobacco) Act has been high since its introduction over 15 years ago. However, significant problems still remain in relation to smoking in the work place, (section 47 of the Act) particularly in relation to licensed premises and non-compliant smoking shelters, and also in relation to sales of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18 (section 45 of the Act).

Details of prosecutions leading to convictions under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act are published at the links below and in related files. This is being done to raise awareness of the law; to highlight good practice and demonstrate to those who comply with the law that action is being taken against those who fail or refuse to comply; and to encourage the public and businesses to report non-compliance to our Compliance Line, on Lo-Call 1800 333 100.

Tobacco Convictions 2023

Public Alert Notices

The Public Alert Notices published here relate to electronic cigarettes and refill containers, which have been notified by the HSE Environmental Health Service through the RAPEX system.  These notices may relate to specific products or batches of products. Electronic cigarettes and refill containers presenting a risk to consumers are notified to the European Member States and the European Commission through the EU rapid alert system or 'RAPEX'.

The European Commission publishes RAPEX notifications for all product types in the European Union.  RAPEX is a system for the rapid exchange of information on dangerous non-food products. More information on the products can be found at https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/ using the words ‘electronic cigarette’ or ‘refill container’.

2023

RAPEX Public Alert Notice McKesse MK Bar 7000 update Aug 2023 (docx)

RAPEX Public Alert Notice Fantasi Ice - June 2023 (docx)

RAPEX Public Alert Notice McKesse MK Bar 7000 - July 2023 (docx)

RAPEX Public Alert Notice R and M Tornado 9000 - October 2023

RAPEX Public Alert Notice WGA The Crystal ProMax+ 10k puffs - October 2023