Vaping crackdown coming

Sales of vaping products to under18s will be banned, flavours restricted and vapers barred from lighting up in smoke-free areas under a law change set to be introduced to Parliament today.

But the Government has ruled out a complete ban because it sees vaping as one way to help smokers quit more harmful cigarettes. Vaping laws will be brought closer to tobacco laws under the proposed law change, including a prohibition on advertising and sponsorship of vaping products and e-cigarettes.

There will also be tighter regulations on safety for vaping devices, flavours and ingredients that will allow the Ministry of Health to recall, suspend and issue warnings about vaping products.

The sale of flavoured vaping products and e-cigarettes will be restricted to R-18 specialty stores, while dairies and service stations will be limited to selling three flavours. And users will no longer be able to vape or use smokeless tobacco in smokefree areas.

The Government’s draft regulation was initially set be released in August 2018, and then it was to be released in August 2019.

National has been critical of the delays. The Vaping Trade Association of New Zealand has also voiced concern over the ongoing uncertainty surrounding regulation. It has also questioned banning flavoured e-liquids, saying that would play into the hands of the cigarette industry. About 90 per cent of e-liquids sold are flavoured.

Marlborough woman Charlotte Smith, 17, would be too young to buy vaping products under the new law. ‘‘I know it still isn’t good for your health but it’s still better than smoking. I’ve watched quite a lot of videos on smoking and vaping. I’ve seen how much smoke blackens your lungs and vaping does too, but not as much.’’

She used a vape about once every hour, and had cut down recently.

Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa said the law changes were a considered approach and would ensure vaping products remained available as a ‘‘quit tool’’ for cigarette smokers, while not encouraging new users or allowing them to be sold to children. ‘‘Our Government has heard from a large number of smokers who say vaping is helpful for them to be able to quit cancercausing cigarettes. However, we have also heard from parents, teachers and principals who want to make sure vaping companies are stopped from marketing to kids.’’

The Bill would help New Zealand achieve its Smokefree 2025 Goal, she said.

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament today. The first reading will be in March before being referred to the Health Select Committee, where the public can have their say.