Ireland

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes "by retail other than in a packet containing not less than 20 cigarettes." This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

Currently, Sec. 14 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act (PHA) 2004, amending Sec. 43 of PHA 2002, allows tobacco vending machines in licensed clubs or premises licensed for the sale of alcohol, as set forth in the regulations. The regulations allow vending machines in areas of premises generally attended by, and within sight of, staff members, and where the vending machine is activated by a disc or card provided by a staff member after verifying that the customer is at least 18 years of age. 

Beginning September 29, 2025, tobacco sales via vending machines will be banned, pursuant to Sec. 45 of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023.

Once fully in effect, the law will align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to tobacco sales via vending machines.

The law allows tobacco sales via the internet. However, internet retailers must apply for a license. In addition, a retailer who engages in cross-border distance sales must use an age verification system and register with the competent authority. 

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

The law prohibits the sale of all tobacco for oral use. However, other types of smokeless tobacco products are permitted.

The sale of waterpipe tobacco is permitted; however, it is subject to many of the same regulations as other tobacco products.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products at an event particularly aimed at children or at an event in relation to which the majority of the participants or audience are children.

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes by retail other than in a packet containing not less than 20 cigarettes.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

The law prohibits the sale of all smokeless tobacco for oral use. However, the law does not specify a minimum weight requirement for other types of smokeless tobacco products.

The European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016 require a unit package of roll-your-own tobacco to contain tobacco weighing not less than 30 grams.

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.