A Kentucky lawmaker is pushing for stricter measures to combat underage vaping, proposing new legislation with tougher licensing rules and penalties. Senator Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) criticised the upcoming House Bill 11, set to take effect in January, arguing it lacks sufficient enforcement power. The current law aims to ban non-FDA regulated vape products but, according to Higdon, “has no teeth” to hold bad actors accountable. He further stated that state laws limiting the sale of vaping products to buyers 21 or older have “no teeth, no real consequences”. See more

Higdon’s proposal would require all vape retailers to be licensed by Kentucky’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, with the threat of losing their licence for breaking the law. The plan also introduces escalating fines for clerks and retailers caught selling to minors, along with penalties for underage possession of tobacco products. Minors could face fines, community service, or mandatory cessation programmes, similar to the consequences for underage alcohol possession.

Abby Gilbert, representing the Vapor Technology Association, warned that existing regulations under House Bill 11 could already shutter 130 stores and cost 1,000 jobs due to restrictions on flavoured and other vaping products. However, lawmakers showed little sympathy, with Senator Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) saying, “We wouldn’t have a problem if they’d quit selling to underage kids.”

The new law aims to reduce vaping among young people and bring in stricter rules for shops selling these products. However, there are still worries about how it might affect businesses in the industry.

Source: FOX 56 News