Australia has reached a compromise on its world-first ban on vaping, watering down the initial plan to restrict vapes to those with a doctor’s prescription. The government has agreed to amend the bill following opposition from the Greens party, with the legislation set to pass later this week. Under the new rules, vapes will be sold only in pharmacies, removing them from retail shelves where they have contributed to a rise in youth vaping. The amended bill will take effect on July 1st, with vapes moving “behind the counter” in October and customers needing to consult with a pharmacist before purchase.
Health Minister Mark Butler welcomed the crossbench support for the government’s vaping laws, which aim to address youth vaping while still allowing access for adults looking to quit smoking. Australia, known for its strict anti-smoking regulations, banned the import of most vapes earlier this year and limited flavor options. With around 22% of Australians aged 18-24 having tried vaping, the country continues to navigate the balance between harm reduction and regulation.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.