These colourful and shiny vaping devices that look and taste like lollies have created the “next generation” of nicotine-addicted adults, according to Health Minister Mark Butler, who’s vowing to crack down on e-cigarettes unless obtained via prescription for legitimate therapeutic use.
Vaper Choice Bankstown owner Kerry Kaing says he is a licensed supplier of vapes and operates under full product approval.
“We are very careful when it comes to our customers and always ask for proof of age; why would we risk a $500,000 fine,” he said.
“The Government should have all nicotine products removed from supermarkets because their sales are harder to control and it’s unfair on the tobacconist industry.”
Royal Vape Punchbowl owner Anis feels the same.
“The licensed stores are not the problem, it’s the lack of border control and what is available on the black market,” he said.
“It would help if they did what they do in New Zealand – no flavours, no colours – they’re much less appealing to young people.”
Cignall Revesby says nicotine product sales are only available to those aged over 18.
You can purchase a vape from LLoyds IGA Panania and Panania Tobacconist & Giftwares – but they are the non-nicotine variety.
Health Minister Butler says the 2023–24 Budget will include $737 million to fund a number of measures to protect Australians against the harm caused by tobacco and vaping products.
“Vaping was sold to governments around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit. It was not sold as a recreational product – especially not one targeted to our kids but that is what it has become,” he said.
The Government will also increase the minimum quality standards for vapes including by restricting flavours, colours, and other ingredients and require pharmaceutical-like packaging, while also investing $30m in support programs to help Australians quit smoking and vaping.
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