The City of Beckley, West Virginia, has enacted a new ordinance, effective immediately, that imposes strict location restrictions on vape and smoke shops. Passed by the City Council after a second reading, the law aims to protect youth and make communities safer and healthier.
Read moreA 19-year-old Australian tourist has been arrested and charged with making a false declaration after attempting to smuggle 41 vape devices into the Cook Islands, where they are a banned product. This marks the first case of its kind to lead to prosecution since the country’s ban on the sale and importation of imitation tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, took effect on August 1, 2024.
Read moreThe Municipal Chamber of Anápolis, Brazil, has approved a bill to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and hookahs in all collective use environments within the city, including public spaces like squares and parks. The proposal, introduced by Councilor João da Luz, was passed on Monday (12th) and will now be sent to Mayor Márcio Corrêa for sanctioning.
Read moreThe Mexican Senate has overwhelmingly approved a major reform to the General Law for Tobacco Control, aiming to significantly reduce public exposure to tobacco and its promotion. The initiative, passed with 97 votes in favor, introduces a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.
Read moreThe UK government has announced new plans that will require vape sellers and online marketplaces to pay for the cost of recycling their products at the end of their life. This “polluter pays” principle is part of a broader strategy to “end the UK’s throwaway culture” and manage the growing problem of electrical waste (e-waste).
Read moreBritish American Tobacco (BAT) is rolling out its new flagship vaping device, Vuse Ultra, marking a significant push into the premium, high-tech segment of the market. The device is making its global travel retail debut in partnership with Gebr. Heinemann at Frankfurt Airport and is simultaneously being introduced to convenience retailers in the UK.
Read moreMultinational cigarette manufacturer British American Tobacco (BAT) has strongly criticized South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, arguing it is “critically flawed” and will only harm the compliant market while failing to address the country’s rampant illicit trade.
Read moreAnti-tobacco advocates and even vape industry groups in Malaysia are calling for a well-coordinated, multi-agency effort to effectively crack down on the open online sale of vapes and e-liquids. This unified demand comes as these products continue to be easily accessible online, despite prohibitions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852).
Dr. M. Murallitharan, president of the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, stated that tackling the issue cannot rest solely with the Health Ministry. He urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and other authorities to take a “strong policing stance,” warning that without strict enforcement, Act 852 would remain “just for optics.” NV Subbarow of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) echoed this, questioning why MCMC can act swiftly against provocative online statements but not against online vape sellers.
Interestingly, vape industry groups also support the ban on online sales due to the risk of underage access. Samsul Kamal Arrifin, president of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (MOVE), said, “We are completely against this (online sales) as it makes the product accessible to minors. These websites don’t have any age verification.” He urged MCMC to block these websites and called for sales to be restricted to specialized vape shops with trained staff, rather than general convenience stores. Zain Azrul, secretary of the Malaysia E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association, agreed, stating all sales should occur in licensed physical shops with proper in-person age verification to protect public health and the integrity of licensed businesses.
- Read more: Malaysia Debates Vape Tax vs. Total Ban
- News source: Groups call for joint crack down on online vape sales
Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) has announced that new, comprehensive regulations governing the use, sale, and promotion of all e-cigarettes and vaping devices are now in effect. The rules apply to all electronic and non-electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS and ENNDS) and are designed to protect public health, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding children and adolescents from the documented risks of these products.
Read moreThe Spanish non-governmental organization Nofumadores.org is denouncing what it calls the “incoherent and shameful” policy of allowing smoking and vaping on the Cíes Islands, a major tourist destination in Galicia and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. The NGO is demanding that the regional government (the Xunta) prohibit smoking and vaping throughout the entire national park, including its beaches, forests, and camping areas.
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