AACS CONDEMNS RULING ON E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING PRODUCTS

22 December 2020: The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has condemned the decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to require people to obtain a prescription from a doctor and then visit a pharmacy to buy smoke-free nicotine, such as for use in e-cigarettes and vaping products.

According to AACS, the ruling fails on health, economic, consultation and common sense grounds.

It also means the growing black market for illegal nicotine vaping products will become even more attractive to consumers, especially when the ruling comes into effect in October 2021.

AACS Caretaker CEO Brett Barclay said the TGA’s ruling ensures Australia remains an international outlier in failing to support the health of its citizens and responsible retailers.

“Progressive nations around the world have regulated the legal sale of these products and are enjoying the health and economic benefits,” Mr Barclay said.

“This decision is a major missed health opportunity. People looking for a safer alternative to smoking should be able to purchase safer products through responsible retailing channels. Instead, Australians are prevented from conveniently accessing such products.

“This decision is a common sense breakdown. Responsible retailers can legally sell more harmful tobacco products but are prevented from selling a safer alternative.

“This decision is also a missed economic opportunity. Retailers are in the midst of the most difficult Christmas trading period in Australian history. Instead of supporting retailers by regulating the legal sale of products which are in demand, the TGA has opted to unnecessarily clog up the health system by requiring people to visit a GP for a prescription.

“Finally, this decision is a case study in fake consultation. Despite many submissions, requests for meetings, letters of concern and more, the Government has not responded to this issue in any way.

“On every level, the TGA’s decision misses the mark, and the result is negative economic consequences for retailers and disastrous health outcomes for Australians looking for a safer alternative to smoking,” he said.