With the NSW Government’s proposed laws on the sale of e-cigarettes countered by the Opposition seeking a more restrictive approach, the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has urged both parties to put aside the political posturing and recognise the potential for e-cigarettes to help some smokers in their efforts to quit.
AACS CEO, Jeff Rogut, said the sale of legal e-cigarettes are one of a range of solutions Government should be investigating as having the potential to reduce the incidence of smoking.
“While the Government and Opposition engage in one upmanship as to how serious they are taking the issue of smoking, here we have a product with the potential to become one of the solutions to reduce smoking and yet the immediate response appears to be restrict and tax,” Rogut said.
“There are many other areas in which Government could target its anti-smoking efforts, not least cracking down on the flourishing market for illicit tobacco, instead of seeking to limit the opportunity for a product with the potential to have a positive impact.”
In addition, Rogut said NSW Cancer Council claims that “the council was worried the use of confectionary and fruit flavours in the liquid nicotine of e-cigarettes was an attempt to lure young people to smoke” is of concern as liquid nicotine is a banned substance which honest retailers should not be selling.
“One must ask that if Federal and State ‘double banning’ is not enough already, what good would come from legislating a triple ban? What is really missing here is enforcement of current laws,” Rogut said.
“Careful, considered Government analysis of this emerging category is essential if e-cigarettes are to be sold responsibly and help some smokers quit. Ideally the conversation won’t be unduly swayed by vested interests skilled at securing a headline but without actual experience at the retail level,” he said.
Rogut questioned the methodology of surveys and audits by some lobby groups including the Cancer Council, which claim e-cigarettes are much more prevalent than is actually the case.
“The fact is that e-cigarettes are a relatively new product to Australia with significant potential. They are not yet widely distributed, which is why it is crucial for Government to consult with industry at this early stage to develop a responsible framework for the sale of these products.”
He said the AACS and retailers in general welcome the opportunity to consult with Government on the responsible sale of e-cigarettes, to ensure the proportion of smokers who might benefit from these products have the opportunity to do so.
“Ultimately the framework adopted should stipulate that e-cigarette products meet strict safety and quality standards and allow for manufacturers to have the right to inform consumers about their products. Ensuring e-cigarettes are child-tamper proof and that their ingredients are clearly marked are necessary minimum safety requirements in our view.
“It would be a wasted opportunity if e-cigarettes become viewed as just another source of tax revenue. There is also a small but growing black market for e-cigarettes to consider.”
