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

UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s customs data show vape (REL) excise revenue reached Rp 2.84 trillion in 2025 (≈$170.4 million), up 7.38% year over year. The gain came even as overall tobacco excise revenue declined. Minimum retail price benchmarks (HJE) for vape products rose in 2025, while excise rates remained unchanged from 2024; open-system e-liquids accounted for the largest share of revenue.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s top health agency has confirmed that vaping is less harmful than smoking — but not risk-free — reshaping the country’s regulatory trajectory. As Paris withdraws a proposed vape tax and debates stricter ingredient, emissions and youth-protection rules, the ANSES report signals not prohibition, but tighter technical oversight. For manufacturers, retailers and EU policymakers, France may be previewing Europe’s next phase of nicotine governance.
Special Report
Feb.23
NASCAR adds nicotine pouch sponsor Grizzly as official partner; zone renews RCR deal for 2026
NASCAR adds nicotine pouch sponsor Grizzly as official partner; zone renews RCR deal for 2026
NASCAR Holdings has struck a partnership with Grizzly, a nicotine pouch brand under Reynolds American, making it an official sponsor across NASCAR and its track portfolio, with financial terms undisclosed. Separately, zone, a nicotine pouch brand owned by Imperial Brands’ U.S. subsidiary ITG Brands, renewed its relationship with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and will continue sponsoring Kyle Busch’s No. 8 car during the 2026 season.
Jan.26
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
The West Virginia Senate approved a 10% personal income tax cut on February 22, 2026, with part of the revenue offset coming from increased excise taxes on vape and e-cigarette products.
News
Feb.23
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Fall Slightly to USD 10.6 Billion in 2025, U.S. Market Further Consolidates Lead
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Fall Slightly to USD 10.6 Billion in 2025, U.S. Market Further Consolidates Lead
China’s e-cigarette exports totaled approximately USD 10.60 billion in 2025, down 3.3% year-on-year from USD 10.96 billion in 2024, according to annual trade data released by the General Administration of Customs of China. Despite the mild decline, exports remained firmly above the USD 10 billion mark, with a clear rebound in the fourth quarter.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai