Australia Adjusts Vape Ban: Pharmacy-Only Sales of Plain-Packaged Vapes Start October 1
June 25, 2024![Australia Adjusts Vape Ban: Pharmacy-Only Sales of Plain-Packaged Vapes Start October 1](https://cdn.brief.news/images/stories/f23f52a7848acedb176212eb5cb4c27fc2790612b34b8c536d122af55d9a34397455f586e802da2172c294bc24f1a332f9cb86210b70a1341cae1e152cbd0201.png)
The Albanese government has revised its plan to ban the commercial sale of e-cigarettes in Australia.
From October 1, plain-packaged vapes will be available for sale at pharmacies without a prescription.
The initial ban set for July 1 will still proceed, but individuals can buy vapes from behind the counter after consulting with a pharmacist.
Only mint, menthol, and tobacco flavors will be sold in plain packaging, with health risks discussed by pharmacists.
The policy is a result of a deal between Labor and the Greens to gain support from the Coalition and Greens in the Senate.
The focus of enforcement will be on vape stores rather than individual users, targeting the possession of illegal vapes in retail settings.
Vapes will be classified under schedule three of the poisons standard, with a commercial quantity defined as over nine vapes.
The legislation will undergo review after three years.
Health Minister Mark Butler has called on the Liberals to support the pharmacy-only sales plan to protect young Australians and help smokers quit.
The success of the policy will depend on effective enforcement and shifts in consumer behavior.
Summary based on 4 sources
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![Medicinal vapes to be sold over the counter at pharmacies after Labor and Greens reach deal](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/358ad559c866f63fc6779be3dc149d8ddcee04318df276e6988e9de7ab1daaf2a14665b6a64836fe9244a35459269ac973e5ab0483ff458051a0a3a5df4bde9b.png)
The Guardian • Jun 24, 2024
Medicinal vapes to be sold over the counter at pharmacies after Labor and Greens reach deal![With the Liberals non-committal, Labor was driven into the arms of ‘anti-prohibition’ Greens on vaping](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/cc00067e8a9cd3126ac955fbec9f7d71ccf95e4c6a42ce0d66f13b1267e23a960f6e166d5c8b1a74d42b879b410cd898d6fbaf134bf1c76b3169c722adc3e1cf.png)
The Guardian • Jun 24, 2024
With the Liberals non-committal, Labor was driven into the arms of ‘anti-prohibition’ Greens on vaping![Vapes will be sold behind-the-counter under watered-down ban](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/f23f52a7848acedb176212eb5cb4c27fc2790612b34b8c536d122af55d9a34397455f586e802da2172c294bc24f1a332f9cb86210b70a1341cae1e152cbd0201.png)
The Sydney Morning Herald • Jun 24, 2024
Vapes will be sold behind-the-counter under watered-down ban![Softened vape rules win Greens’ support](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/e1089695ba53d65d7e947b717c29a70e26a670e088166fa9c109b80830aee225962f766572bc47c47fb28503f9f8eced549dfcc0a9282b60821c395a67143cd8.jpg)
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Jun 24, 2024
Softened vape rules win Greens’ support