Premier reveals his ‘occasional’ controversal habit

One state’s premier has admitted to indulging in an unhealthy habit, but one fact about it may surprise you.

In what has come as a surprise to many, the NSW Premier has revealed he indulges in the “occasional vape”.

Speaking to 2Day FM’s Hughesy, Ed and Erin on Friday morning, Dominic Perrottet was asked by co-host Dave Hughes about the seemingly lax enforcement of laws against the fruity flavoured electronic cigarette.

“There’s so many people getting hooked on vapes, you’ve made it illegal, but there’s no checks on that, is there?” asked Mr Hughes.

“I mean, you can get a nicotine vape in five minutes anywhere around Sydney. What are you going to do about that?”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has revealed he occasionally uses vapes, and that his favourite flavour is mixed fruit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Pool / Flavio Brancaleone

“Well, you can get a prescription for vapes,” responded Mr Perrottet, who was phoning in to the show “and we want to make sure it’s done in the right way”.

“Are you a vaper?” bluntly asked co-host and Sky News presenter Erin Molan.

“I have the occasional one,” said Mr Perrottet, without hesitation.

Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan, who host 2DayFM’s breakfast show.

“What’s your flavour?” asked Ms Molan, referring to “e-juice” found in e-cigarettes.

“Mixed fruit,” said Mr Perrottet.

“Did you move away from cigarettes?” asked Mr Hughes.

“Yes I did,” said the Premier, “and that’s the challenge for kids as well. We don’t want to encourage them to get into vaping.”

E-cigarettes not containing nicotine are legal in NSW, while those with nicotine have been prescription-only since October 2021.

However, there is a black market for e-cigs and e-juice containing nicotine.

E-cigarette products and accessories, regardless of nicotine, are still not allowed to be sold to anyone under 18, and it’s illegal for vendors to claim that any vape product helps traditional cigarette smokers kick the habit.

Vapes containing nicotine have been prescription-only in NSW since October 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Heading into the NSW election, the Greens are promising to regulate the sale of vapes in order to crack down on the black market and reduce harm.

It follows a video posted to social media of a Kempsey mother giving her 11-month-old baby a puff of her vape pen, much to the outrage of those commenting on the footage.

The baby can be seen coughing as he exhales the vapour, while others watching on in the background of the video laugh.

NSW Police said they are aware of the incident and are investigating.

Originally published as Premier reveals his ‘occasional’ controversal habit