Australia has taken a bold step in the fight against youth vaping by becoming the first country to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, or vapes, outside of pharmacies. From July 1, vapes can only be sold in plain colors and packaging, with local manufacturing and advertising prohibited.
Government Aims to Protect Youth from Vaping Harms
The new laws limit vape supply, manufacture, import, commercial possession, and sale to pharmacies, even for nicotine-free devices. Australians now need a prescription to buy vapes, and popular youth flavors like “bubble gum” are banned.
Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the government’s commitment to shielding young Australians and the community from recreational vaping’s dangers, calling it a “public health menace.”
Steep Penalties for Violators, New Enforcement Role
Convenience stores and tobacco shops selling vapes could face $2 million (AUD) fines, with owners risking up to seven years in jail. Australia will create an Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner role to combat black market vape sales.
Pharmacies Express Concerns, Government Stays Committed
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia raised concerns about dispensing “unregulated substances with no established therapeutic benefit” without long-term safety data. However, the government remains dedicated to the reforms, aiming to return vapes to their intended use as smoking cessation aids.
Tackling the Youth Vaping Epidemic
With one in five Australian 18-to-24-year-olds reporting vape use, the government sees these measures as crucial in fighting what Health Minister Butler called “Big Tobacco’s” tool to “recruit a new generation to nicotine addiction.”
As Australia leads the way in vape regulation, the world will monitor these groundbreaking measures’ impact on public health and the vaping industry.
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