Australian Vape Retailers Push for NZ-Style Regulation

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) is strongly urging the Federal Government to emulate New Zealand’s approach to vape regulation, advocating for regulated retail access to these products as smoking cessation tools. This call follows comments from New Zealand’s Minister for Customs and Associate Minister for Health, Casey Costello, who highlighted her country’s success in reducing both smoking and vaping rates through controlled access.

Minister Costello noted that New Zealand’s model, which allows retailers to sell strictly regulated vapes to adults while banning “lolly flavours” and single-use devices, effectively helps adult smokers quit tobacco and deters youth uptake. AACS CEO Theo Foukkare praised this approach, contrasting it sharply with the current situation in Australia. “It’s safe to be a genuine, law-abiding retailer in New Zealand… but it’s bloody terrifying for our members in Australia, who are at the mercy of criminal gangs that threaten… fire bomb their stores if they don’t sell dodgy, illegal vapes,” Foukkare stated.

• Read more: Australia vs New Zealand: How Vaping Policies Impact Smoking Rate Declines

He argued that Australia’s current policies, including excessive tobacco taxes, have failed, pushing adult smokers towards illegal alternatives, empowering criminal groups, and putting law-abiding retailers out of business and at risk. “When will the Australian Federal Government finally realise it has failed on community health and safety… because it is marrying itself to its failed vape and tobacco excise policy?” Foukkare questioned, urging an end to the “ideological bubble” and a focus on evidence-based solutions like New Zealand’s regulated model.

• News source: Government urged to follow New Zealand’s vape policy

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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