In a statement to the Senedd, Mark Drakeford, Wales’s first minister, said he was “attracted” to the Australian policy of restricting vape sales to pharmacies.
The minister announced his intention to “support” the UK government’s launch of its consultation on vaping. The plans are specifically aimed at considering measures to tackle the promotion of vapes to children while still ensuring that they can be used as support for adult smokers.
Mark said, “In Australia, for example, the only way you can get an e-cigarette is by prescription. You can't buy them in shops.
"Only through a medical prescription, as part of a supervised attempt to give up smoking, are they available.
"And do you know, I would be attracted to that idea myself."
Mark then quoted the Australian Government’s website, which states, “there is insufficient evidence to promote the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.” He went on to explain that there are “significant differences of views between medical experts” on the use and benefits of vapes.
The minister said that he believes that aligning the Senedd with the UK government's consultation will “prevent our children falling victim to the deliberate attempts to ensnare them in nicotine addiction.”