FEATURES
STOP
THIS MADNESS !
Furious Kiwis demand that controversial proposals for tough new vape laws are scrapped .
Words : Jordan Millar
Thousands of Kiwi vapers have rallied against wide-reaching regulations proposed by New Zealand health officials . If passed , the draft policies would apply more stringent restrictions on the display and advertisement of e-cigarettes , as well as the manufacturers and retailers of vaping products . The most alarming of these new regulations are plans to restrict the sale of flavoured e-liquids to designated vaping shops , limiting other sellers to mint , menthol and tobacco . The proposal has sparked outrage amongst advocacy groups , with critics stressing it could deter smokers from making the switch and potentially damage public health .
This rings especially true for people in rural areas with no access to specialist brick-and-mortar vape retailers . Johnathan Devery , co-owner of VAPO and Alt New Zealand , said : “ Our collective goal is to convert smokers to harm-reduced alternatives . “ In order to achieve this , vaping products must be given an equal or more advantaged playing field .” He continued : “ We don ’ t support the flavour limits for general retailers , as flavours are key in getting adult smokers to successfully quit .”
Under the proposal , vape manufacturers would also be required to implement a 50mg / ml nicotine cap and display health warnings on the packaging of nicotine-containing products . A recent consultation on the draft policies has received over 2,500 submissions , more than half of which came from general retailers . This corresponds with another petition from the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy ( AVCA ) group , which received over 17,300
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