Tasmania is set to introduce strict new vaping laws that will ban the sale of e-cigarettes to people under 18, with or without a prescription.
The reforms will also limit the supply of vapes to pharmacies, where they can only be sold to people over 18 with a prescription.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said the Federal Government’s new “watered down” vaping reforms “do not go far enough to protect our children and young people”, so the state is stepping up.
“We do not agree with the Federal Government’s legislation and we are taking action to resolve it,” he told Pulse.
The move comes after state and territory leaders unanimously backed federal legislation in April that would force vape stores to close by prohibiting the domestic manufacture, advertisement, supply and commercial possession of non-prescription vapes.
However, the proposed legislation has been criticised by public health experts for not going far enough, as it would still allow the sale of vapes with a prescription.
Tasmania’s new laws will complement existing initiatives aimed at helping smokers quit and encouraging young people to remain smoke-free, Barnett said.
“We are continuing to work with QUIT Tasmania to provide more education and support for people who want to reduce or quit smoking and vaping and our new Vaping e-learning package has been rolled out across all schools in Tasmania,” he said.
“Our multi-faceted approach to stamp out vaping is both reducing access and increasing education to prevent the uptake, with the community to benefit as a result.”
