SYDNEY, July 1 — New vaping regulations in Australia came into force today, moving e-cigarettes behind pharmacy counters in a bid to curb youth vaping, although opponents forced the government to walk back a stricter prohibition.
The laws, passed last week, will restrict vape sales to pharmacies and require customers to speak with the pharmacist before buying a vape. Those aged under 18 will need a prescription.
The ruling Labor party was forced to water down a broader plan that would have limited sales to those with a medical prescription after opposition from Greens senators, who were concerned it would restrict access for those looking to quit smoking and strain the health system.
But a three-month delay to implement the last-minute compromise meant customers aged over 18 will require a prescription until October, when that requirement lapses.
“I think it doesn’t really make that much sense, especially if they’re going to be changing it again in October,” Sydney resident Sarah Harris told Reuters.
“I think it’s just going to make people go for black market vapes or try to get vapes through their friends or online, or whatever the other routes of purchasing them are.”
The regulations were addressed at youth vaping in Australia, where about 22 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 reported using e-cigarettes or vaping devices at least once, data last year showed.
In addition to restricting sales to pharmacies, the laws limit the concentration of nicotine in vapes and restrict the flavours to mint, menthol or tobacco.
Known for its strict anti-smoking laws and steep tobacco taxes, Australia already banned most vape imports earlier this year. Importers must now apply for licences from the government drug control body.
While vapes are still widely available in small stores and a common sight in pubs and bars, the government said its enforcement push is taking hundreds of thousands off the streets.
In April, Health Minister Mark Butler said border police seized more than 1.5 million illegal vapes.
— Reuters
