Newfoundland allows specialty vape shops to remain open during COVID-19 crisis

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) is commending the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for allowing specialty vape shops to continue to operate under strict social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 crisis.

"Allowing vape shops to operate using only contactless curbside pickup protocols will prevent thousands of Newfoundlanders from being forced back to combustible tobacco, a product known to kill one in two users," the association said in a statement.

“We applaud the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for having found an appropriate means to care for the physical and mental health needs of vapers while ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals in their province.  The vapers in this province will continue to have access to the low nicotine harm reduction products which are only available in adult access product vape shops, while strict social distancing protocols implemented will serve to protect the public and staff,” said Darryl Tempest, executive director of The Canadian Vaping Association. “The CVA has repeatedly voiced our concern over limiting access to harm reduction products. The decision to ensure vape shops continue to operate under the condition that they use curbside pickup will prevent thousands of vapers from returning to smoking, thus saving the lives of many Newfoundlanders."

The CVA is calling on other provinces to amend their essential services list to include vape shops.

However, the Ontario Convenience Stores Association is calling out some vape shops on social media, highlighting the number of vape shop operators ignoring government directives to close: "These are the stores that Ontario Health Ministry believe can handle adult products better than c-stores. Convenience stores are your trusted neighbourhood business."

In another Tweet: "Vape shops in Ontario are ‘not’ an essential service retailer but vape supplies are available in convenience stores during these unknown times."