TLDR;
This "A Current Affair" report investigates how lolly shops, tobacconists, and convenience stores are being used as fronts for illegal vape sales, particularly targeting young people. It highlights the alarming accessibility of these vapes, often located near schools and other youth-centric locations, and the ease with which these shops can open due to lax regulations. The report also covers the health risks associated with vaping, including the presence of dangerous chemicals and high nicotine levels, and the long-term unknown effects.
- Lolly shops are acting as fronts for illegal vape stores, with Puff Palace in Belmore being a prime example.
- These shops are often located near schools, exposing children to vapes.
- Regulations are lax, making it easy for tobacconists to open with minimal oversight.
- Vapes contain dangerous chemicals like paint stripper and weed killer, posing significant health risks.
- Health professionals are seeing an increase in vape-related illnesses in young people.
Puff Palace: Lolly Shop or Vape Store? [0:00]
The report begins by exposing Puff Palace, a lolly shop in Belmore, Sydney, suspected of selling vapes illegally. Despite advertising vapes outside, staff deny selling them. An undercover investigation reveals a young customer purchasing a 10,000-puff vape with no questions asked. The shop's location directly across from primary and secondary schools raises concerns about children's exposure to vapes.
Accessibility and Location of Vape Shops [1:54]
The investigation highlights the proximity of Puff Palace to schools, a gymnastics academy, and a daycare, raising concerns about the exposure of young people to vaping. Parents express their shock and opposition to the sale of vapes near their children's schools. The report questions why such shops are allowed to operate so openly, suggesting a deliberate attempt to hook young people on vapes.
Regulatory Loopholes [2:45]
The report reveals that shops like Puff Palace can easily open due to the lack of stringent regulations. Unlike many other businesses, tobacconists don't require a development application, allowing them to spread rapidly by simply submitting a change of use form. This makes it easier to open a tobacconist than to get a tree cut down, highlighting the inadequacy of current regulations.
The Black Market for Vapes [3:29]
Since July of the previous year, vapes can only be legally sold in pharmacies with a prescription. This has led to a black market where tobacconists, lolly shops, and convenience stores act as fronts for illegal vape sales, targeting a new generation of smokers. Inner West Council has taken some action, such as removing signage featuring a children's toy holding a cigarette, but tracking and prosecuting illegal vape sellers remains difficult.
Health Risks and Dangers of Vaping [4:07]
Dr. Brian Burns, an emergency physician, reports treating adolescents as young as 11 for vape-associated lung injuries. He notes that a single vape can contain the nicotine equivalent of up to 50 cigarettes, leading to nicotine toxicity, seizures, and asthma attacks. Vapes have been found to contain dangerous chemicals such as paint stripper, weed killer, and formaldehyde, which is used to preserve dead tissue. While the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, Dr. Burns warns that it could follow the same cancerous path as cigarettes.
Confrontation and Investigation [5:11]
The A Current Affair crew confronts staff at Puff Palace, who attempt to stop them from filming, claiming they are scaring away customers. The local council declined to comment, but New South Wales Health and the TGA are now investigating Puff Palace.