Retailers across the Hibiscus Coast are facing a big shift from today as the Government's vape law changes officially kick in.

Disposable vapes are now banned nationwide, and new rules mean vape products must be hidden from view in dairies, petrol stations, and supermarkets.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says these changes aim to reduce youth vaping, calling them “practical steps to protect young people.”

Shops that don’t follow the new rules face hefty penalties, up to $400,000 for manufacturers or major retailers, and $50,000 for others.

Online stores are also affected: vape product images are now banned, and links to overseas sites showing products are no longer allowed.

For Coasties, this means vape store signage and product visibility are going to look very different.

Local dairies and convenience stores will need to keep products out of sight, while specialist vape retailers will be bound by tighter location rules introduced earlier in the year.

Eighteen new smokefree enforcement officers have been recruited to help ensure compliance.

While vaping has helped some adults quit smoking, the Government is drawing a clear line: it’s not for kids.

The new law could reshape how Coast parents, schools, and retailers manage the issue in the months ahead.

Know something local worth sharing?

Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.