Vapes behind counters as chemists struggle with complex compliance
Queensland pharmacists are criticising vaping laws which came into play on Tuesday, claiming they require age verification checks and consultations with customers.
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Most Queensland pharmacists are unlikely to stock over-the-counter vapes under new laws which came into effect on Tuesday, October 1.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the nicotine vaping laws were time-consuming and too complex with staff forced to check buyers’ age credentials and consult customers to ensure “clinically appropriate” purchases.
Under the new laws, vapes must be kept behind the pharmacy counter with prescriptions required for vapes that have nicotine concentrations of more than 20 mg/mL.
Adults aged 18 and over can buy therapeutic vaping products without a prescription at pharmacies, except in Tasmania and Western Australia, where prescription-only access remains.
The law also bars vapes from being sold in non-pharmacy retail settings such as vape shops, tobacconists, or convenience stores.
Pharmacies that choose to offer vaping products have to adhere to the stringent regulations, including limited nicotine concentrations and packaging requirements.
Vapes with lower nicotine levels can be sold over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription, but pharmacies must conduct checks and provide guidance on usage.
The legislation also limits the sale of nicotine vapes to tobacco, menthol, and mint flavours, in a bid to curb young customers buying vapes and help adults to quit smoking.
Major pharmacy chains, including TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline Pharmacy, and National Pharmacies, have already indicated that they will not supply vapes without a prescription.
On Day 1 of the new laws, Queensland Pharmacy Guild president Chris Owen voiced his concerns about the complex laws which involved staff having to check driver's licences or identification for age and hold a consultation with the buyer.
“While we support the intent of the legislation to reduce youth access to vaping, the practical implications for pharmacies are significant,” Mr Owen said.
“The process requires pharmacists to check customers’ ages and conduct a thorough consultation, which can be complex.
“Many pharmacies will choose not to stock these products due to the complexities involved.
“It’s essential that our members focus on patient health, and we cannot be seen as promoting non-health products.”
He said the federal government had placed community pharmacies in the vaping supply chain without consulting pharmacists and without a working understanding of any impacts on customers.
The Pharmacy Guild also raised concerns about the potential rise of a black market for vapes if access through legitimate channels remains cumbersome.
“If pharmacists cannot stock these products easily, it may lead to increased illegal sales, which poses a greater risk to public health,” Mr Owen said.
Redland Bay Wholelife Pharmacy and Health Foods co-owner Fiona Watson said her bayside business would continue to make vapes available on prescription only.
“We’ve got no plans to provide them over the counter, but patients can access them if they have a valid script,” Ms Watson said.
“Patients are the most important part of this change, and people wanting to quit can still access nicotine replacement products.
“Those who want to look at using vapes to quit smoking need a bit of time and privacy to discuss their situation and we would recommend they do that with the doctor.
“There are also other medications which may be suitable so they can talk about those options with the GP.
“It’s essential we focus on patient health, this decision to place community pharmacy in the vape supply chain was done without speaking to us and without understanding the impact it could have on our patients.”
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Originally published as Vapes behind counters as chemists struggle with complex compliance
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