Vape shops on the way to school: Geographical analysis of the proximity of specialist vape retailers to New Zealand schools

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the proximity of existing specialist vape retailers to schools in New Zealand. Methods: Specialist vape retailers were mapped, and accessibility to them from schools was calculated across New Zealand. Results: Thirteen percent of New Zealand’s schools have at least one specialist vape retailer within 300 m. Forty-four percent of New Zealand’s schools have at least one specialist vape retailer within 1 km. This means that almost half of schools had a specialist vape retailer within a 10- minute walking distance. Conclusions: There is a high density of specialist vape retailers around New Zealand schools, where children are likely to see the stores and window displays on their journey to and from school. Implications for Public Health: Vaping products have a wide accessibility to many school students in New Zealand. The high exposure to specialist vape retailers on the way to and from school needs to be regulated to minimise youth uptake of vaping. Key words: e-cigarette, e-cigarette retail outlet, vape shop, specialist vape retailer, schools, youth