Australia is set to modify its groundbreaking vaping ban following negotiations between the Labour party and the Greens, averting a strict prescription-only requirement initially proposed. The amended legislation, expected to pass later this week, will confine vape sales to pharmacies while removing them from retail shelves, where they have contributed to a rise in youth vaping.
Initially aiming for a world-first restriction on sales to those with doctor’s prescriptions, the revised bill will instead require vapes to be sold “behind the counter” starting in October. Customers will need to consult with a pharmacist before purchasing, with under-18s still requiring a prescription.
Health Minister Mark Butler hailed the compromise as a step forward, emphasizing the government’s collaboration with the crossbench and securing Greens’ support for the stringent vaping regulations.
Labour, lacking a majority in the upper house, navigated negotiations with other parties and independent senators to advance the legislation. The Greens voiced opposition to blanket bans and highlighted concerns over financial barriers to smoking cessation, citing the costs associated with doctor consultations.
Australia, known for its stringent anti-smoking measures, had previously banned most vape imports this year and restricted the sale of flavored products. Recent data indicated that about 22% of Australians aged 18-24 had experimented with e-cigarettes or vaping devices at least once.
