Regulate Sales of Electronic Cigarettes, Boston News

Boston city officials are stepping up efforts to regulate electronic cigarettes that deliver nicotine and individual cigars that have become popular with people looking for cheaper alternatives to discount Cigaronne cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-powered plastic and metal devices that heat a liquid nicotine solution in a disposable cartridge, creating vapor that users inhale. The Boston Public Health Commission on Thursday approved a proposal to immediately treat e-cigarettes like tobacco products. That includes requiring retailers to obtain permits to sell them, banning their use in the workplace and restricting their use to adults. The board also approved banning the sale of single-sale cigars by requiring that they be sold in their original manufacturer packaging of at least four. The rule becomes effective at the end of January. The board also doubled fines for retailers that violate tobacco control regulations.

E-Cigarette Consumer Group Promotes

A new ad has appeared on the CBS SuperScreen in Times Square telling smokers they have a choice. National Vapers Club has furnished this ad and accompanying website in order to raise awareness about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that vaporize a liquid -- similar to that found in fog machines --that sometimes contains nicotine. They are in danger of being banned in many jurisdictions across the country, including in New York.

Ban Sales of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors

A state senator wants to keep electronic cigarettes out of kids’ hands by making it a petty offense for merchants to sell them to minors and for minors to buy them. “If we’re going to say minors can’t buy Virginia regular cigarettes, it doesn’t seem valid to say they can have access to electronic cigarettes,” said Sen. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler.

“Hopefully a few less young people will suffer nicotine addictions with this ban.”

The so-called e-cigarettes are battery-powered plastic and metal devices that heat a liquid nicotine solution that users inhale as a mist. They’re available in hundreds of flavors, including cherry, chocolate and beer, as well as the flavors of popular cigarette brands.

The Electronic Cigarettes Popularity

As temperatures drop, John Lindaas expects sales of electronic cigarettes to rise.

Since Wisconsin's indoor smoking ban went into effect in July, tavern and restaurant customers have been stepping outdoors to smoke Doina.

Cold weather might encourage them to stay indoors, where e-cigarettes are allowed.

Lindaas of the Cigarette Depot said e-cigarette have caught on locally since Wisconsin went smoke-free.