PLAN to restrict the unfettered spread of new vape or smoke shops was unanimously endorsed by Bayswater councillors this week, with the rule now off to the state government for a final decision.
The rule change would mean cigar stores, shisha bars, or shops that sell “smoking related implements” would be classed as a “restricted premises” giving council the power to keep them from opening in most areas.
It came about from a motion lodged by councillor Catherine Ehrhardt in late 2022, after she’d seen a proliferation of vape stores open up including in sight of schools and near parks.
During the consultation period 26 people lodged supporting submissions and 16 were opposed.
Comments in favour included echoed concerns about vape shops near schools: “Vaping is the next epidemic amongst young people and products [are] clearly targeted towards teenagers,” one commenter said.
A few of the objections were opposed to lumping in shisha bars with other types of smoking, arguing that shisha bars had a “sociocultural” element and “for some groups of people, can be a safe social space without alcohol”.
However a council report states the rule would only restrict new venues from opening, and existing authorised shisha bars can keep operating.
Cr Ehrhardt said after reading the arguments for and against, she was “very happy” to move ahead with the plan.
Cr Sally Palmer said schools would be “very relieved to hear this type of motion is happening”.
Vaping’s become a major behavioural problem in schools, according to an article in the Medical Journal of Australia, with teachers reporting agitated and disruptive behaviour from vaping students.
The new rule requires amending Bayswater’s Town Planning Scheme so it now requires approval from planning minister John Carey and the WA Planning Commission.
Due to a planning quirk new vape stores can still open in Morley’s town centre, which has a unique zoning that allows other kinds of restricted premises like adult shops.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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