Surge in NSW vape retailers as more than 600 stores join trade before federal crackdown

Many so-called non-nicotine vapes contain the addictive substance, and children often have no trouble buying them, prompting a government vape ban from March. Composite: Guardian Design

More than 600 additional shops began selling vape products in New South Wales in the first half of 2023, a drastic increase that occurred despite the federal government announcing tough reforms that will ban sales from convenience stores.

The sharp rise comes despite laws that dictate that the only legal way to buy nicotine-containing vapes is from a pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor.