New vaping regulations take effect today, banning disposable vapes and restricting how vape products are marketed and displayed in stores, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has announced.
The changes, part of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) passed in December, are aimed at reducing youth vaping and increasing retailer accountability.
Disposable vapes, popular among young users, are now illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute, with penalties reaching up to $400,000 for serious breaches.
Retailers such as dairies and petrol stations must now keep vape products out of sight, and online stores are barred from displaying images or linking to overseas sites that show vape products.
The Government has also increased penalties for selling vapes to minors and introduced proximity limits for new specialist vape stores.
Costello said the law changes were delayed six months to give businesses time to adjust and to allow for the hiring of 18 new smokefree enforcement officers.
“Vaping can help adults quit smoking, but it’s not for children — this Government is taking that seriously,” she said.
Image credit: Ruben Bagues
”the hiring of 18 new smokefree enforcement officers.” Now we get to the point – more government employees and more enforcement. Supposedly to protect the children. Allegedly.
who da fug cares about chuldren?
Them politisians either dont have or they shouldnt
Another power crazy female(woman) in govt.