To this effect, the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is calling for the dismantling of the VRA. “CAPHRA believes that the VRA’s incorrect interpretation of regulations and subsequent actions against vape retailers demonstrate a lack of competence and effectiveness in fulfilling its role and responsibilities,” said CAPHRA executive coordinator Nancy Loucas.
Loucas, who is a renowned public health consumer advocate, is urging the Ministry of Health to form a new and more competent regulatory body. This should support and encourage the growth of a responsible and well regulated vape industry in the name of tobacco harm reduction.
Restrictions on vape retailers
This time last year, following Parliament’s first reading of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill, some local retailers urged the Government to drop part of the bill. The measure in question proposed a limit on the number of retailers which would be able to sell tobacco products.
The submissions to the Health Select Committee about the bill had closed on August 24th, and Foodstuffs, amongst others, had told the committee they were in favour of further vetting of retailers in order to ensure compliance. However they disagreed with setting a limit on how many shops would be allowed to sell tobacco.
On the other hand, Loucas had highlighted that “hybrid” vape shops i.e.. convenience shops/dairies that are now also operating as vape shops, are problematic and need addressing. “There are far too many convenience stores now also operating as licenced ‘Specialist Vape Retailers’. It makes a mockery of New Zealand’s vaping laws and so we’re pleased the Government is going to tidy up this unintended consequence,” she explained. While the Cancer Society NZ said that maintaining the thousands of tobacco retailers across the country would significantly hinder New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal.
NZ vape brand seeks expansion in the UK
In other news, as the UK government continues to embrace the use of safer nicotine alternatives such as e-cigarettes for smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction, last year Kiwi vape brand VPZ had announced plans to open 10 more stores across the country. The vape firm is planning to increase its portfolio to 160 sites across England and Scotland, including in London and Glasgow, and the announcement was made as VPZ was touring the UK with its vape clinic.
The Vape Clinic Service was launched in 2021, and it offers smokers guidance on how to quit smoking by switching to vapes. The concept was “introduced to support the nation’s smokers quit for good, and help the country regain its momentum toward becoming a tobacco-free nation by 2030.” With regards to the imminent expansion, VPZ director Doug Mutter said that they aim to engage more smokers and encourage them to quit.
Despite complaints in New Zealand that the local flavour restrictions are in some cases making vapes unavailable for adult smokers, Mutter said that the UK should implement similar restrictions. “We are urging the UK Government to act now and follow best practice from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores, where a challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers. VPZ is also in favour of substantial fines for those who breach the rules.”
