QJ Satchell is calling for the New Zealand Vaping industry to be regulated.

Sales of vaping products to under-18s 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 on Monday.

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.

BRYA INGRAM/STUFF Charlotte Smith says she vapes because it's healthier than smoking 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.

RNZ The Advertising Standards Authority has had 58 complaints about advertisements for vaping products in the past year.

The Government agreed to a framework for a Bill in November 2018. Since then target dates have been delayed.

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.

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa said the “balanced” law would ensure vaping products were available as a “quit tool” for cigarette smokers but would not encourage new users or be sold to children.

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.



BRYA INGRAM/STUFF Under the proposed law changes, Charlotte Smith, 17, would not be able to buy vaping products.

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 cancer-causing 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.

SUPPLIED A new law will ban the sale of vaping products to under-18s and prohibit advertising of vaping products and smokeless tobacco.

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

Wellington vaper Neryl Srirankanathan, 23, said he took up vaping "as a social thing" in 2019.

"I never really used to smoke cigarettes or anything - I used to hate [smoking cigarettes] because it smelled disgusting and it was just gross, it wasn't worth the headrush or the feeling. I just didn't like it."

Srirankanathan believed vaping was a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, but he wouldn't "at all" mind if the Government introduced restrictions similar to cigarettes.

"I can totally understand. I don't really vape inside. You wouldn't smoke a cigarette inside, so what changes it for a vape? I wouldn't really find it offensive, or be annoyed by it."

Srirankanathan thought vaping "definitely" appealed to younger people, but he didn't think anybody would think they're cooler for vaping versus smoking cigarettes.

John Cowpland The sale of flavoured vaping products and e-cigarettes will be restricted to R-18 specialty stores.

For him, the main benefit of vaping was its ease of use.

"Especially in Wellington, it's bloody windy all the time, you try to light anything outside and chances are nine times out of 10, it's not going to happen. Whereas with vape you just push the button or take the drag and there it is."

* Additional reporting Maia Hart

Joseph Johnson A product safety system will be introduced that will allow the Ministry of Health to recall, suspend and issue warnings about vaping products.



