Tobacconists and convenience stores still selling illegal vapes nearly three months after the ban came into effect across the country could face prosecution soon, as Health Minister Mark Butler has signed off the need for a “more rigorous approach”.
Australia became the first country to ban the sale of non-medical vapes in July, while adults have been able to buy e-cigarettes at pharmacies without a prescription since October.
Under the changes, non-pharmaceutical businesses could face multi-million dollar fines and up to seven years in prison if they are caught importing, manufacturing, supplying or marketing any vape brand.
However, highly addictive substances are still widely available on the black market, sold under the counter by some tobacconists and convenience stores.
Mr Butler told Insiders on Sunday that “it is clear that some convenience and tobacco shops are breaking the law” and that “we have to move to a more robust approach”.
The federal government has so far tried to encourage sellers to turn over their vape products to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Mr. Butler said, including a business review conducted with officials “to inform them of the new rules and they warn of consequences”.
But that easy approach could end soon, with the health minister warning that charges are imminent.
“I want to see the charges begin to be corrected by the authorities because this is very important for the health of young people,” he said.
“I never pretended this was going to be closed overnight.”
‘Recruiting a new generation to become addicted to nicotine’
The government has long warned that a new generation of nicotine addicts will be created without urgent action to prevent young people from accessing vapes.
Nearly 1 in 10 14- to 17-year-olds were sexually active in 2023, a fivefold increase from 2019. Rates for 18- to 24-year-olds they have quadrupled in the same period to 21% – the first generation in 25 years to reduce this trend. reduction in nicotine consumption.
The federal government initially wanted to ban all sales of vapes without a prescription, but the rules were watered down to allow adults to buy e-cigarettes at pharmacies without a prescription from October as part of a deal with the Greens.
Over-the-counter vapes are designed exclusively for people trying to quit smoking, and come in only menthol, mint, or tobacco flavors, as opposed to the many sweet, sweet flavors available today. under the counter in some convenience and tobacco stores.
Shadow health minister Anne Ruston said on Sunday that “children are being targeted by a thriving and dangerous black market” under federal government control.
“This government has made it clear beyond doubt that it is not in a position to stop organized crime and protect children from the dangers of violence,” he said.
Instead, the Coalition would create an illegal tobacco and vaping unit led by the Australian Federal Police and Border Force, he said, “to combat illegal vapes from on the border to the mall”.
But Mr Butler on Sunday said the retail ban – which has been in place since July 1 – was “starting to have an effect”, pointing to vape shops in his constituents which had to close. their doors.
“Let’s remember why we’re doing this: vapes were introduced to help heavy smokers kick the habit but we quickly learned that wasn’t what it was about,” he said so.
“Basically it was about recruiting a new generation to addiction.
“A lot of people are saying it’s too difficult, including the Liberal Party and the industry itself, but I’m determined to continue to fight this and protect the lives of young Australians.”
The July ban was the latest in a series of changes to vape laws introduced by the federal government.
In January, almost all disposable vapes were banned from being imported into Australia. Since then, Mr Butler said more than five million vapes have been seized at the border.
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