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

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.