The National Council of Monaco has moved closer to banning the sale and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes. On the evening of Thursday, October 17, elected officials overwhelmingly supported a bill they drafted, which aims to prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and free provision of these single-use vaping products.
The issue has raised significant concern, especially among young people, who have adopted puffs as a trendy accessory. These small, single-use devices deliver nicotine mixed with flavoured vapour, mimicking the experience of smoking. However, health risks and environmental concerns have alarmed policymakers, leading to action against their widespread use.
“During the Think Tank 2024 discussions, young people voiced growing concerns about the rise in disposable e-cigarette consumption,” said Roland Mouflard, rapporteur of the bill. Addressing the Upper House, he emphasised the dangers posed by puffs to both public health and the environment.
“The impact on biodiversity and the quality of life for young people is too significant to ignore. We must strengthen our legislation to combat this growing problem,” Mouflard stated. He pointed out that Monaco has long fought against single-use plastic waste, and disposable e-cigarettes fall under the same category of harmful pollutants.
The bill aligns disposable vaping products with traditional cigarettes, recognising both as major sources of pollution that negatively affect the Principality’s residents, especially its youth. The proposed ban is seen as a necessary and urgent measure to protect public health and reduce waste.
The government’s submission of a separate bill on the same issue had earlier unsettled some officials, but the overwhelming support for the council’s initiative solidifies Monaco’s intention to move swiftly on the ban.
