New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Health, Jenny Salesa, on Monday announced plans to regulate vaping and smokeless tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, as part of the drive towards a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025.

The legislation is expected to lay out where Kiwis can legally use the products – not in bars and restaurants, for instance – and make it possible for retailers to sell the products.

“This means that retailers will be able to sell these products with greater confidence that they are both legal and safer,” Greg Harford, general manager of Retail NZ, said.

“It is particularly good news for small dairies and convenience stores which are often heavily reliant on cashflow from the sale of tobacco products,” he added.

Harford said he is looking forward to seeing draft legislation when it is available, as there will be numerous details to work out.

Meanwhile, Australia is one of more than 60 countries that currently ban vaping and smokeless tobacco products, and retailers and industry groups say it’s time for the country to follow in the footsteps of its neighbour.

The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) renewed its call for government to develop a legal framework for the sale and use of e-cigarettes, calling the blanket ban a “draconian position” that fails to recognise the potential health benefits of the products.

“There is already scientific consensus that switching to e-cigarettes is significantly less harmful to people than traditional smoking, and there’s emerging evidence that they can be an effective stop-smoking tool as well. Anecdotally, e-cigarettes are a popular quitting option for people around the world,” Jeff Rogut, AACS CEO, said.

And the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) noted the perhaps unintended consequences of the country’s ban on tobacco alternatives.

“When restrictions force consumers to import these products, rather than purchase them legally at home, consumers are exposed to the risk of unregulated and potentially unsafe products,” ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said.

“The number of people who are already importing nicotine-based e–cigarettes from overseas is growing, giving offshore retailers a significant advantage and translating into a significant loss of revenue for Australian retailers.

Zimmerman said that selling tobacco alternatives is a win-win, providing health benefits for the community and economic benefits, including a reduced burden on the health system and support for local retailers.