09-25-2013 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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msey acct) alition 2395 University Ave, Suite 310 Saint Paul, MN 55114 September 12, 2013 Dear Ms. Kathy Glanzer: Electronic cigarette use is on the rise, and cities are struggling to adjust their tobacco ordinance to address this new issue. In the past few months, the availability of electronic cigarettes, also called e- cigarettes, has skyrocketed in Minnesota. In the past year, use of electronic cigarettes doubled among youth and young adults, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have seen an increasing number of "vaping" lounges where customers can sample flavors, socialize, and purchase accessories, all while using electronic cigarettes indoors. It is critical that cities regulate these addictive devices just as other tobacco products. Despite claims you might have heard from the industry, electronic cigarettes are harmful. Some have been found to contain volatile organic compounds, including acetone, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzopyrene, silicate, and various metal particles. The liquid particles from electronic cigarettes can lodge deeply in the lungs. Additionally, nicotine increases blood pressure, narrows arteries, and increases heart rate. These new products are unregulated, and there is great variability between brands and within the same brands. Your current ordinance defines electronic cigarettes as a nicotine and lobelia delivery device. This means that a vendor selling these products must be licensed, are subject to compliance checks, and requires e- cigarettes to be clerk assisted. Your ordinance prohibits all indoor smoking in licensed tobacco retail establishments. Because it is indoor smoking that is prohibited, your ordinance might not cover vaping lounges, which are places where customers sample and use e- cigarettes. We suggest that you clarify your ordinance to insure that your ordinance covers these new products. You might wish to have your city attorney review that section of your ordinance. I am attaching model language that clearly addresses e- cigarette use for your consideration. There is a great deal of confusion and misinformation about electronic cigarettes. Here are common questions we have been asked about electronic cigarettes: Q: Are e- cigarettes a safe way to quit smoking? A: No, they are not approved as a cessation device by the FDA. Q: Are c- cigarette stores legal? A: Yes. With a fully updated ordinance, e- cigarette stores would be issued a tobacco license and must abide by the same regulations as any tobacco vendor. Q: What type of license does an electronic cigarette vendor need, and how much should they be charged? A: We recommend that you issue a standard tobacco license and charge the same amount you would for any tobacco vendor. ,ti.P Id 1013 O lY OF L.f FLF CANADA 2