Vape stores near our schools

Marnie from Titirangi

Hi Titirangi

I just found out our local dairy at 170 Golf Road (in the block of shops where the Lab Tests used to be) will be opening a new vape shop in a week's time.

I'm so upset about this, not only as it's the dairy closest to where we live and my boys cycle up there all the time, but it's also really close to Green Bay High where they will go after intermediate.

I've gone and spoken to the owner about my concerns and his reply has basically been "I have to make my money somehow".

I know these are R18 shops but the problem is older kids sell to younger ones. Green Bay High School students flock to those shops as they are so close to the school. Also there are a staggering number -7300 vape stores (6000 general and 1320 specialist) - now in NZ - and not enough enforcement officers to keep up.

I know many people in our community concerned that kids are being targeted by big tobacco companies with vape's colourful packaging (some with cartoon characters!) and flavours that appeal to kids.

I really feel community pressure on the government to do more to restrict the sale of vapes is probably the best bet to trying to protect our kids. If you haven't already and you support please join our group:
www.facebook.com...

and sign our two petitions:
www.change.org...

petitions.parliament.nz...

thank you