Vape shops are closing, says Mark Butler.
The federal government has thrown another $107 million into the war against vapes, health minister Mark Butler announced today.
“Vape shops around the country are closing and importantly, young Australians are finding it harder to purchase vapes,” he said.
“[The] additional funding for compliance and enforcement, across critical functions, will disrupt and deter the black market and ensure the TGA is appropriately placed to regulate therapeutic vapes.
“Many of these products are targeted at young children and adolescents who have never used nicotine products, which is why our government is so focused on stamping them out.”
Together the Department of Health and Aged Care and the TGA will use the extra dollars to continue the crackdown on non-therapeutic vapes, regulate vaping goods as therapeutic goods and enforce the ban on advertising of vaping goods.
The investment will also support data collection and monitoring to inform a comprehensive evidence base to reduce and prevent vaping and smoking in Australia.
So far, the focus on vapes has resulted in:
- over 7 million vaping products seized by the TGA and the Australian Border Force;
- over 8500 vaping posts and profiles removed from social media;
- 24 joint enforcement operations between the TGA and state and territory governments;
- over 47 active investigations underway;
- over 220 infringement notices issued;
- over $2 million in fines issued; and,
- civil and criminal court action across the country.
The government’s vaping reforms prohibit the importation of all vapes without a licence and permit. Vapes can now only be legally obtained from pharmacists, and people under 18 years old must have a doctor’s prescription, subject to state and territory legislation.
The maximum penalties for breaches of the new laws include up to seven years in jail per offence and up to $21.9 million per contravention.
The TGA encourages people to report any perceived breach or questionable practice relating to the importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of vapes, including the supply of vapes by a non-pharmacy retailer.