Union City council members recently announced plans to ban all nicotine vapor products citywide to curb youth vaping. As a tobacco retailer, I share concerns about the proposed ban and believe that lawmakers may be overlooking crucial distinctions among nicotine vapor products, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes.
While the intention to protect young people is commendable, it’s essential to recognize that not all vapor products are equal, and some appeal more to teens than others. Surveys and studies consistently show a decline in the use of tobacco products among young people, reaching historic lows in many cases. As a Union City convenience store owner adhering to age verification laws, I believe that responsible retail practices contribute to this positive trend.
Despite our efforts, studies indicate that young people still access vapes through other sources, particularly illicit disposable flavored vapes featuring fruit and candy flavors. What’s crucial for parents, lawmakers, teachers, and community members to understand is that these disposable flavored vapes lack FDA approval for marketing, rendering them illegal for retail sale, and should not be on store shelves. This is a critical issue that demands attention.
In 2020, former President Donald Trump addressed rising youth usage by prohibiting the sale of flavored pod-based vapor products, except for menthol and tobacco flavors. Unfortunately, a loophole in the legislation allowed the continued sale of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, leading to an influx of Chinese disposable vapes with enticing flavors like Fanta Strawberry and Tropical Rainbow Blast. Despite being illegal nationwide, bureaucratic challenges have hindered the FDA from enforcing existing laws.
Here, the City Council can make a significant impact. By implementing a citywide ban on disposable flavored vapor products, local leaders can fill the enforcement gap left by federal agencies and protect our youth effectively. However, it’s crucial not to ban all vapor products, as many adult tobacco users turn to vapes, even unflavored ones, to quit traditional cigarettes.
According to Convenience Store News, nearly 32% of convenience store in-store sales come from tobacco, with e-cigarettes contributing significantly. A blanket ban on all vapor products could lead to devastating consequences for local businesses, forcing closures and impacting the economy. The focus should be on eliminating the influx and illegal sales of unregulated disposable flavored vapes appealing to young people.
City council members should analyze available data and concentrate legislative efforts on restricting the sale of products that attract youth – disposable flavored vapes, not the tobacco-flavored ones utilized by adults seeking healthier alternatives. Finding a compromise between the business community and health advocates is vital to maintaining Union City’s economic strength while safeguarding the next generation of leaders.
In addressing the issue of youth usage of illegal disposable products, it’s crucial to avoid measures that inadvertently harm law-abiding retail shops and potentially shift business to unscrupulous profiteers from outside the U.S. borders. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure a thriving economy while prioritizing the well-being of Union City’s youth.
Amit Barn
Owner of Alvarado 76
Union City
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