New Vape Regulations Threaten Safety of Dairy Owners, Raise Alarm Over Rising Crime

Dairy owners are voicing urgent concerns that new vape laws could lead to increased theft and violence, putting their safety and livelihoods at risk.

Despite maintaining a 96.7% compliance rate in selling vapes, dairy owners feel abandoned by impending regulatory changes. Manish Thakkar, Chair of the Dairy and Business Owners Group Incorporated, expressed deep frustration over the new laws.

“These changes to selling vapes will see more assaults and it’s sadly foreseeable another dairy manager will end up murdered,” Thakkar stated. The high compliance rate, which HealthNZ verified in the first half of 2024, seems to have little impact against the backdrop of stricter regulations.

Thakkar emphasized that dairies have been diligent in following the rules. “We followed all guidelines meticulously, but now we’re being punished based on hearsay and innuendo,” he added. The frustration stems from the belief that their efforts to comply have been disregarded, leaving them vulnerable to criminal activities.

Escalating Crimes Linked to Vape Accessibility

The new regulations mandate that vapes be stored in more secure cabinets alongside cigarettes. While intended to reduce youth access, dairy owners argue that this change inadvertently makes vapes more attractive to thieves.

Surge in Retail Crimes:

Crime Type	Number Reported (July-August)
Physical and Sexual Assaults	700
Robberies	172
Burglaries	1,163
Thefts	19,996

“These regulations make it easier for thieves, especially younger ones, to grab vapes quickly,” Thakkar explained. Vapes are now more accessible if cigarette cabinets are breached, making them prime targets for theft and subsequent resale.

The Human Cost: Threats and Violence

The threat of violence is becoming a harsh reality for dairy managers. Thakkar recounted a chilling account of a recent incident where a dairy manager was threatened with a knife after a disagreement over vape products and services.

“Putting vapes inside new cabinets alongside the smokes will massively increase the violence we face,” Thakkar warned. “Having been on the receiving end, I can tell you the blood is real and the threats are brutal, terrifying, and foully expressed.”

This fear is not unfounded. In the first two months of the new financial year, there has been a dramatic increase in retail crimes, including assaults and robberies, directly impacting the safety and security of dairy owners and their staff.

Struggling Under New Regulations

The dairy industry is grappling with the rapid changes imposed by new vape laws. Thakkar criticized the government’s approach, comparing it to the cigarette display ban implemented in 2011, which allowed dairies a full year to comply.

“For a government that claims to be business-friendly, six months to comply is ridiculous,” he said. The accelerated timeline has left many dairy owners unprepared, heightening their vulnerability to theft and violence.

Compliance Challenges:

• Secure Storage: Investing in robust storage solutions to prevent theft.
• Staff Training: Enhancing security awareness among employees.
• Financial Strain: Allocating funds for new compliance measures amidst declining sales.

These challenges are compounded by the significant drop in retail crimes reported, as indicated by the startling statistics for July and August. The regulatory burden is placing immense pressure on dairy owners, pushing many to the brink.

Economic Impact: More Than Just Safety

The decline in sales tax revenue from vapes is another concern for dairy owners. Despite high compliance rates, the inability to securely store vapes has led to increased theft, affecting their bottom line.

“Vapes are easily fenced to adults,” Thakkar pointed out. “The flavors we sell aren’t remotely popular with the young, but they are lucrative for resale.” This shift not only impacts safety but also the economic stability of dairy businesses.

Financial Strain Breakdown:

Aspect	Impact
Revenue Loss	Due to increased theft and theft-related costs
Operational Costs	Higher expenses for security measures
Employee Safety	Costs associated with ensuring staff safety

These financial strains could lead to reduced operational capacity, layoffs, and even closures of dairy businesses unable to sustain the increased costs.

Advocating for Change: Becoming Specialist Vape Retailers

In response to the new regulations, Thakkar and the Dairy and Business Owners Group are advising dairies to apply to become specialist vape retailers. This move aims to differentiate their vape sales from traditional cigarette sales, potentially reducing the risk of theft and violence.

“Most dairies were happy selling mint, menthol, and tobacco, but the loss of display for these three youth-unfriendly flavors tells us the government wants thousands more specialist vape retailers. They’ll get their wish,” Thakkar explained.

Benefits of Specialist Retailer Status:

• Enhanced Security: Dedicated storage for vapes reduces theft risk.
• Focused Marketing: Tailored strategies for vape sales without impacting other products.
• Regulatory Compliance: Clear distinction between vape and cigarette sales ensures better adherence to laws.

This strategic shift could help mitigate some of the safety concerns while maintaining their vape sales within a more secure framework.

Community and Industry Response

The dairy community is rallying behind the push for specialist vape retailer status, seeing it as a necessary step to protect their businesses and employees.

Voices from the Community:

• Local Dairy Owners: Support the move towards specialization to enhance security.
• Law Enforcement: Recognize the link between secure storage and reduced theft.
• Consumers: Mixed reactions, some supporting stricter controls, others concerned about access to vapes.

The broader industry is watching closely, with many anticipating similar challenges as vape regulations continue to evolve.

Potential Solutions: Balancing Compliance and Safety

Finding a balance between regulatory compliance and ensuring safety is critical. Thakkar suggests several measures that could help:

Proposed Solutions:

1. Extended Compliance Period: Allowing more time for dairies to adapt to new regulations.
2. Subsidies for Security Upgrades: Financial assistance for implementing robust security measures.
3. Community Policing Initiatives: Strengthening relationships between dairy owners and local law enforcement to prevent and respond to theft and violence.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the community about the impact of vape theft and the importance of supporting local businesses.

Implementing these solutions could alleviate some of the pressures faced by dairy owners, ensuring their businesses remain safe and profitable.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Vape Sales in Dairy Stores

As the situation unfolds, the future of vape sales in dairy stores remains uncertain. The push for specialist retailers is a step towards addressing the immediate safety concerns, but long-term solutions will require ongoing collaboration between business owners, regulators, and law enforcement.

Future Considerations:

• Policy Adjustments: Reviewing and potentially revising vape regulations to better protect businesses.
• Technological Innovations: Developing advanced security systems tailored to the needs of dairy stores.
• Sustainable Practices: Encouraging responsible vape sales and reducing the appeal of vapes for resale.

The path forward will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to work together towards a safer and more secure environment for dairy businesses.