Options to reduce the appeal of personal vaporisers, or e-cigarettes, that include a ban on sales to persons under 18 years of age and restrictions on where they can be used have been released for public discussion by the Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher.
The discussion paper on the sale and use of personal vaporisers, known as e-cigarettes, in the ACT aims to get people talking about their use around the ACT community.
“Laws surrounding the use of cigarettes are strong in the ACT and we are seeing smoking rates drop as a result, however, e-cigarettes can be an attractive option that may encourage people to take up smoking, especially young people,” the Chief Minister said.
The government is actively considering what the right level of regulation is for these devices. It is important that the community have a chance to voice their opinions about these devices to help inform future government policy.
“There are a number of health concerns related to the use of personal vaporisers including the safety of the product, the long term health effects and the potential to renormalise smoking within the community.
“The ACT Government is keen to ensure that non-smokers, particularly young people, are not encouraged to start using personal vaporisers. The risks associated with the public use of personal vaporisers in terms of the renormalisation of cigarette smoking and the effects of second hand vapour are also of concern.”
The discussion paper canvasses options relating to the sale and use of personal vaporisers. These include banning the sale to people under 18 years of age, restricting advertising, community education and awareness activities, and regulating personal vaporiser use in smoke-free areas.
“The ACT Government is also aware that some people are using personal vaporisers to support their attempts to quit smoking and want to ensure that access to the devices is maintained.
“This is a valuable opportunity to gauge public opinion on e-cigarettes so I encourage all Canberrans with a view to make it known as part of this discussion paper,” the Chief Minister.
Submissions to the discussion paper will close Wednesday 24 December 2014. The paper is available online at www.timetotalk.gov.au and www.health.act.gov.au.
(Katy Gallagher Media Release)
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