Work

Changes in the retail availability of vapes through brick-and-mortar vape stores and convenience stores in Western Australia following legislative reforms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Monitor the operational status and vape selling practices of 'brick-and-mortar' vape stores and convenience stores in Western Australia (WA) during the phasing in of the Australian federal vaping reforms in 2024. METHODS: A previous online audit identified 194 physical vape stores in WA in January 2023 (baseline). In June-September 2024, this audit was repeated to ascertain operational status and evidence of vape sales from those stores, complemented by in-person observational visits to a subset of stores and inner Perth convenience stores. RESULTS: In June 2024, 16 baseline stores had closed, with others advertising that they would soon follow suit. However, some new stores had opened and vape-related imagery and advertising remained prominent. By September 2024, almost all (n=193, 99%) of the baseline stores had closed (n=117) or were exhibiting no evidence of vape sales (n=76). Meanwhile, vapes were readily available at convenience stores, albeit with reduced overt visibility by September. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in physical vape stores in WA during 2024 coincided with the phasing in of the reforms. However, availability at convenience stores remains a challenge. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Reduced physical availability of vapes enhances de-normalisation of vaping but requires effective enforcement and monitoring to be sustainable.

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100268

Authors: Matthew Tuson, Lisa Wood, Angela Gazey

Institution: The University of Notre Dame Australia

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600