Easy Access to E-cigarettes for Children in Melbourne, Australia

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.01.2023
Easy Access to E-cigarettes for Children in Melbourne, Australia
A new study reveals that children in western Melbourne can easily purchase e-cigarettes illegally, raising concerns about underage access.

According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on November 30, a new study has found that children in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, can easily purchase e-cigarettes illegally.

Easy Access to E-cigarettes for Children in Melbourne, Australia
Type analysis | Image source: ABC

 

A report by the Western Public Health Unit (WPHU) has revealed that the majority of e-cigarette shops are located within a distance of less than 750 meters from schools. Third-party retailers, including both cigarette and e-cigarette stores, account for one-third of all e-cigarette sales outlets, while the rest are comprised of milk bars, grocery stores, convenience stores, cafes, and non-food retailers.

 

WPHU has discovered 59 stores in Brimbank selling e-cigarettes. The average price of e-cigarettes is $25, with prices ranging from $10 to $45.

 

The next phase of the Australian government's crackdown on e-cigarettes is set to begin on January 1st, when the ban on importing disposable e-cigarettes will come into effect. Dr. Romanes, Director of the WPHU, expressed his hope that this will be a turning point.

 

He stated, "At some point next year, there will be a comprehensive ban on the commercial sale of non-prescription e-cigarettes, marking a highly significant moment.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said 66.4 billion cigarettes were taxed in 2025, up 0.2% from 2024, while long-term volumes have more than halved since 1991 and per-capita consumption fell to 795 cigarettes. Taxed tobacco substitutes such as e-cigarette liquids reached 1.5 million liters, up 18.2% year on year.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California and New Jersey advance bills to curb vape-waste risks tied to facility fires
California and New Jersey advance bills to curb vape-waste risks tied to facility fires
US state lawmakers and recycling groups are pursuing 2026 measures to address safety issues linked to vape waste through legislation, take-back programs and educational outreach. California’s State Assembly passed a bill to ban disposable vape pens, while New Jersey reintroduced an extended producer responsibility bill for e-cigarettes.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Qnovia’s Heat-Free Inhalable Nicotine Replacement Therapy Posts Positive First-in-Human Data, Advances FDA and MHRA Filings as Funding Expands
Qnovia’s Heat-Free Inhalable Nicotine Replacement Therapy Posts Positive First-in-Human Data, Advances FDA and MHRA Filings as Funding Expands
U.S.-based medical startup Qnovia Inc. reported positive results from its first-in-human clinical trial of RespiRx, an inhalable nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) device designed to support smoking cessation.
Innovation
Feb.24
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
A committee substitute for House Bill 5437, the Vape Safety Act sponsored by Del. David McCormick (David McCormick), was recommended Monday afternoon by the House Health and Human Resources Committee to the full House, with the bill next heading to the House Judiciary Committee. HB 5437 would require specialty shops selling tobacco, tobacco-derived products, alternative nicotine, or vapor products and accessories to obtain a state license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA)
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
Philip Morris International (PMI) has released a white paper calling for cross-sector dialogue on how AI may affect human cognitive abilities. The paper flags risks including “cognitive atrophy” and attention erosion, and warns of a widening cognitive divide and rising pressures on information verification and trust.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
A Thai report says Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Santi Piyatat is advancing efforts toward a vape-free society. On Jan. 12, a seminar at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s learning center presented a study covering six regions of Thailand on spending related to cigarettes and e-cigarettes and the behavior of different smoker groups.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai