City’s Move to Cut Vaping Sparks New Public Health Debate
The City of Vincent considers expanding smoke-free zones to combat rising vaping rates among youth and adults alike
City of Vincent, Perth, Australia, Vaping, Public Health
Perth: The City of Vincent is looking to tackle the growing trend of vaping. They’re thinking about expanding smoke-free zones to keep the community healthier.
Back in late 2022, they already banned smoking in five town centers. Now, with vaping becoming more popular than smoking, they’re considering more restrictions.
Mayor Alison Xamon mentioned that vaping is really taking off, especially among younger folks. She said they’ll discuss new smoke-free areas in their next public health plan.
Before anything is set in stone, they’ll consult with the community. The mayor believes a $100 fine for vaping in these areas is fair, with a potential $200 fine for those who don’t comply when asked by an officer.
This move comes as many councils and state governments in Australia are trying to deal with the rising popularity of vapes. A report showed that in 2019, only 5% of people aged 18-24 used vapes, but that number skyrocketed to 21% by 2022-23.
Even kids under 14 saw their vaping rates jump from 2.5% to 7%. Almost 10% of young Australians aged 18 to 24 reported vaping daily during the same period.
Across Australia, there are various laws about smoking and vaping in public. For instance, South Australia introduced new laws last year that allow on-the-spot fines for offenders.
In Victoria, smoking is banned within four meters of entrances and 10 meters from outdoor recreation areas. New South Wales has similar rules, banning both smoking and vaping in many public spaces.
Interestingly, the City of Fremantle in WA was the first local government area to make its “cappuccino strip” smoke-free back in 2008. Now, the City of Vincent is reviewing whether to add more smoke-free zones.