Media release: Vaping crackdown falls short: Gaps in new bill leave youth at risk

The coalition Government is moving to reduce youth vaping with a proposed bill that introduces measures to ban disposable vapes and limit product visibility in stores and online. But experts say it doesn’t go far enough.

University of Otago researchers from the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre have been examining the recently released Bill in the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre.

Dr Jude Ball and co-authors say if the Government wants to “crackdown” on youth vaping, it must take a more comprehensive approach, including tighter controls on vape store proximity to schools, stricter age verification for online sales, and disallowing price discounts.

Dr Ball says stopping price discounting, loyalty schemes, giveaways and promotions such as buy-one-get-one-free could make vaping products less affordable for young people, while still ensuring they remain less expensive than smoked products.

“The Bill neglects key factors such as these price promotions, the density of vape outlets, and vaping product appeal. Also, the definition of "disposable" vapes creates ambiguity, potentially restricting products adults use to stop smoking,” she says.

“A more robust approach could also include regulating vaping product packaging and applying excise tax based on nicotine strength.”

Dr Ball says the Government must also ensure transparency and keep nicotine and tobacco companies out of policy development.

Youth vaping rates in Aotearoa remain very high compared to other countries, particularly among Māori youth. NZ youth vaping rates are nearly twice as high as estimates from England and almost three times as high as Canadian and US estimates.