The Move to Ban E Cig Sales and Marketing to Minors Builds Momentum
After five US senators called upon the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the marketing of electronic cigarettes to minors, Alabama State has announced a new law prohibiting their sale to children.
The senators were concerned that with no current legal restrictions in place, some vendors may act advantageously and distribute e cig devices and liquids children. This move by Alabama represents a step in the right direction as the product realigns itself for the exclusive use of adults. The legislation that is due to be signed by Governor Robert J. Bentley will mean that it will be illegal to sell any electronic cigarette products to persons under the age of 19.
Many vendors such as Totally Wicked currently regulate themselves independently and refuse to distribute their products to minors despite having no legal obligation to do so.
A number of other states have also moved to ban the sale of e cigs to minors including Indiana and Mississippi who both recently signed the legislation in recent months. These states follow the example of the state of California where the practice has been banned for a significant length of time.
The senators who are approaching the FDA are concerned that the products will appeal to children and can act as a gateway.
Unlike traditional tobacco products, e-cigarettes can be legally sold to children and are not subject to age verification laws. The letter was signed by senators from the states of Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and Rhode Island. The senators hope that the FDA will be able to introduce a standardised practice in regards to the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and fitting punishments for those found to be breaching those laws.
Totally Wicked supports these initiatives to restrict the sale of e cigs to minors.
