But SmokeFree Tasmania says fruity flavoured e-cigarettes are clearly aimed at children, and many products have been found to contain nicotine, despite being illegal. 

The comments come in light of a discussion paper launched by the Department of Health and Human Services, which has canvassed a series of options for new e-cigarette laws in Tasmania.

These include regulating e-cigarettes in the same way as tobacco, banning vaping (e-cigarette use) in public places, prohibiting their sale to under-18s, or continuing with the status quo. 

VapeTrail owner Lily Tran said increasing regulations and prices would reduce options for smokers trying to quit, pushing them towards pharmaceuticals such as nicotine replacement therapy.

SmokeFree Tasmania advocate Dr Kathryn Barnsley said the organisation would be recommending all e-cigarettes be banned.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said the organisation did not support vaping as a smoking cessation product, and it was not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

A DHHS spokesperson said their actions were based on the best available evidence through consultation, and all states and territories except the Northern Territory had regulatory controls.

“We have left open the option of supporting electronic cigarettes as a cessation aid in the future as further evidence emerges. And by not banning them for adults they remain available in the legal market,” they said.

“The Government is very concerned that retailers are currently able to sell these products unregulated and to children.”

“Tests of e-cigarette liquids, also known as e-juice and e-liquid, on the market in Tasmania in 2014 revealed some contained nicotine, which is illegal nationwide.”

The proposals can be seen by visiting www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/tobacco_control/electronic-cigarettes Comments close on January 30.