New Zealand retailers face scrutiny over underage e-cigarette sales

In New Plymouth, New Zealand, five retailers were found selling electronic cigarettes to minors, prompting lawmakers to call for stricter regulation of e-cigarette stores.

In a recent enforcement action by Te Whatu Ora, five retailers were fined $500 each for violating regulations, including two repeat offenders.

Currently, Representative Amanda Clinton-Goldes is calling for increased regulation. "At present, neither the city council nor health institutions have any legal tools to regulate the location or number of shops selling electronic cigarette products. Dairy shops and electronic cigarette stores located near schools and opposite playgrounds are selling e-cigarette devices, and we are currently powerless to intervene.

According to recent data, 90% of tobacco retailers are located within 1 kilometer of schools and are often over-concentrated in low-income areas, causing concern that e-cigarette retailers may follow suit, said Clinton-Goldes.

Clinton-Goldsmith hopes that regulations will include non-professional shops, such as dairy stores selling electronic cigarette products. The Health Special Committee is currently considering a bill to introduce further oversight of electronic cigarette retailers.

The Smoke-Free Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill will empower the Director-General of Health to restrict the number and potential locations of specialist vaping outlets.

Clinton-Goldsmith expressed concern that the current version of the bill regulates only "professional e-cigarette shops" and leaves out other retailers, such as those that sell e-cigarette products in dairy stores.

The Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), representing councils across the country, is calling for further action from a special committee. In a submission to the committee, LGNZ is requesting that the bill restrict the sale of e-cigarette products to R18 specialty e-cigarette stores and introduce proximity restrictions to prevent e-cigarette retailers from congregating and to protect young people.

Clinton-Goulds emphasized the significance of not replacing one harmful product with another, and highlighted the potential for youth to avoid any health concerns that may arise from using electronic cigarettes.

The Health Special Committee is expected to submit a report on the bill before December 1st, 2022, wherein they will provide recommendations.

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