Western Australia Vape Retail Landscape Transforms After Legislation

Recent research highlights significant changes in the vaping retail environment across Western Australia (WA) following the implementation of new federal legislation in 2024. Dedicated vape stores, which were once prominent in communities and often situated near schools with enticing displays and appealing flavors, have now largely disappeared. The study, conducted by The University of Notre Dame Australia and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, observed a dramatic decline: from 194 vape-focused shops in January 2023, there are now only a handful still functioning. By September 2024, all 117 dedicated vape stores had closed, and 76 outlets that previously sold vapes alongside other products had ceased this activity. Only one store was found openly selling vaporizers during onsite inspections.

Professor Lisa Wood emphasizes that these closures reflect positive outcomes of Australia’s stringent vaping laws, designed to shield especially young people from health risks associated with vaping. However, despite these advances, authorities have identified ongoing issues. Although street-front vape shops have largely shut down, several inner-Perth convenience stores continue to illegally sell vaping products under the counter, with nearly half of the 32 stores visited in June 2024 still trading in vapes three months later.

Angela Gazey from the same university notes the troubling persistence of illegal sales and stresses the importance of rigorous monitoring, enforcement, and penalties to combat these unlawful activities. Public Health Australia’s CEO, Adjunct Prof Terry Slevin, lauds the legislation's early success but underscores the need to crack down on illicit sales, as vapes pose significant health dangers, particularly to youth. The ongoing illegal sales by some convenience stores highlight the ongoing challenge faced by regulators.

The study illustrates the tangible impact of Australia's pioneering vaping restrictions but also warns of the work still needed to curb illegal sales and protect public health.