Australi: Blow For E-Cigarette Smokers As New Crackdown On Vaping Is Launched – And Cigarettes Hit $40 A Packet

Source from:  Daily Mail 10/29/2018

The amendments are due to be finalised next month. 

State Health Minister Stephen Wade told The Australian that the move was an important measure aimed at 'public health'.

'Banning of online sales is an important part of minimising the risk of children getting access to these products,' he said.

'It was recommended by a bipartisan select committee in 2016 and is just treating e-cigarettes the same as we do tobacco ­products.'

Despite Mr Wade's claims, some academics and advocacy groups have been left angered by the move, claiming it is designed to protect big tobacco.

The Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association called the new regulations 'draconian'.

'The new laws protects the tobacco industry from competition and make it even harder for smokers to transition to vaping, a much less harmful alternative,' a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the SA parliament is 'attempting to destroy the vaping industry and make it harder for smokers to access safer products.' 

The Australian e-cigarette industry was worth $60 million a year and employed more than 200 people.

University of New South Wales associate professor Colin Mendelsohn told The Australian he agreed that the harsh new laws would only serve to protect big tobacco.

'This law is unenforceable. The SA government plans to prosecute vendors selling products online to South Australians. Good luck with that,' he said.

While introducing the amendments to parliament Minister Wade said the lack of regulation needed to be addressed. 

'The select committee concluded in its final report that e-cigarettes should be regulated in the interests of public health, as there is a lack of scientific consensus as to the safety of e-cigarettes,' he said.

'Maintaining a strong legislative framework for tobacco control is essential for reducing the harms caused by tobacco smoking in South Australia.'

The amendments are due to be finalised by the end of November and came only days after calls for vaping to be made legal nationwide.  Enditem