Despite the Federal Government introducing legislation banning the sale of single-use vapes last year, Notre Dame University found 11 of 32 convenience stores in Perth’s CBD continued to sell vapes under the counter.

Professor Terry Slevin from the Public Health Association of Australia said convenience store owners who still sell vapes are undermining efforts to get Aussies off the substance

“The finding that convenience stores are continuing to sell vapes illegally is not surprising,” he said.

“This sector has a long history of undermining community health efforts, putting profits first. Illegal convenience store vape sales are happening across the country.”

Angela Gazey from Notre Dame University said the actions of the convenience stores was counter-productive.

“It is an anathema to associate ‘convenience’ with a product that is illegal to sell and harmful to health,” she said.

The study did reveal positive results of the legislation, with 117 vape stores and counters having closed, and 76 stores that previously sold vapes now not stocking them.

Slevin called for better monitoring and harsher penalties to be imposed on those found to still be selling vapes to protect the health and future of young Australians.

Public health experts continue to welcome retail monitoring, strict enforcement, border inspections, and tough penalties for those who break the rules.

This is about preventing an epidemic of lung and other disease in the future. The time to act is now, and the action and penalties rightly focus on those making the profits.”