AUSTRALIA LIMITS WHO CAN BUY, SELL VAPES; Residents Support More Regulation

New vaping regulations in Australia came into force on Monday (July 1), moving e-cigarettes behind pharmacy counters in a bid to curb youth vaping.

The laws, passed last week, will restrict vape sales to pharmacies and require customers to speak with the pharmacist before buying a vape. Those 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 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 means customers over 18 will require a prescription until October, when that requirement will lapse. “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 said. Other Sydney residents said they supported more vape regulations.

In addition to restricting sales to pharmacies, the laws also 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 licenses from the government drug control body.