The Legislative Assembly of Tasmania, Australia, initially passed the Public Health Amendment (Vape) Bill 2024. This may make the state the first in Australia to completely ban over-the-counter vape sales and move to a prescription-only model. Residents over the age of 18 would be required to obtain vape products from pharmacies with a valid prescription.
Key Points
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Tasmania could become the first Australian state to completely ban over-the-counter vape sales and switch to a prescription sales model.
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Under the new Act, Tasmanians over the age of 18 must have a valid prescription to purchase vape products. Including vapes. Vape liquids and vape devices, from pharmacies.
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The state’s Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing said the bill aims to curb the trend of youth vape use and protect the health of future generations.
First Australian State to Enforce Prescription-Only Vape Sales
According to the Tasmanian government’s official website. The state may become the first in Australia to fully prohibit retail vape sales and adopt a strict prescription-only framework.
Details of the Public Health Amendment (Vape) Bill 2024
The bill was initially passed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday. Once implemented, Tasmanians aged 18 and above will only be able to purchase vape products from pharmacies with a valid medical prescription. This measure goes further than federal rules and other state laws. Where adults can still purchase certain vape products at pharmacies without a doctor’s approval.
Government Rationale and Health Priorities
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Roger Jaensch emphasised that the legislation is intended to protect young people and the broader community from vaping-related harms.
He stated:
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“This vape bill is designed to stem the tide of youth vape use and protect the health of future generations.”
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“A change in state law regarding the sale of vape products in October 2024 means that in some states, adults can purchase certain vape products at pharmacy counters without a prescription.”
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“Tasmania has retained the more stringent rules, making it clear that vapes are only legally available through pharmacies and that adults must have a doctor’s prescription to obtain vapes, vaping fluids, and vaping devices.”
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“I am pleased that the vape Bill has passed both houses of the Tasmanian Parliament. So we can continue to take every action possible to protect our community from the dangers of vapes.”
