Author: James Anderson

San Antonio has officially banned the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes in all indoor public spaces, including bars and restaurants, as of January 1, 2025. The new ordinance, unanimously approved by the City Council last fall, aligns with the city’s existing prohibition on indoor smoking, which has been in effect since 2010. Violators Face Escalating Fines for Repeated Offenses Individuals caught violating the new rule will face a $200 fine for their first offense, with the penalty increasing to $500 for a second violation and up to $2,000 for each subsequent infraction. The ordinance aims to address the growing…

Vietnam has joined a growing list of countries, including Australia, Turkey, Singapore, Mexico, India, Brazil, the Maldives, and Thailand, in banning travelers from bringing vapes into the country. As of January 1, 2025, tourists arriving in Vietnam with vapes face substantial fines under new rules that prohibit the possession, sale, and use of vapes and e-liquids. Steep Penalties for Violators Individuals caught using e-cigarettes in Vietnam now face fines of up to 2 million dong (approximately $78.50). Those found importing, trading, transporting, or producing vapes and materials for cigarette alternatives face even harsher penalties, with fines reaching up to 3…

Illinois has enacted two new laws that significantly impact the vaping industry and e-cigarette users in the state. House Bill 1540 and Senate Bill 3098, both set to take effect on January 1, 2025, introduce restrictions on the use and shipping of e-cigarettes. E-Cigarettes Banned in Indoor Public Spaces House Bill 1540, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on July 28, 2023, bans the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public spaces. The bill adds electronic smoking devices to the 2008 Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which previously banned smoking in most public spaces throughout the state. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), a…

Rhode Island has implemented a ban on the sale or “possession with intent to sell” flavored vape products, effective January 1, 2025. The ban is one of several new laws taking effect across Southern New England at the start of the year. The state’s General Assembly reminds local businesses of the new law, which prohibits the sale of all flavored nicotine vapes across Rhode Island. Vape store owners have criticized the ban, expressing concerns about its potential impact on their businesses. Syed Afzaal, owner of Yorktown Market in North Kingstown, believes the law could be a “death sentence” for hundreds…

Belgium will become the first European Union state to ban the sale of disposable vapes starting January 1, 2024. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced this ground-breaking decision, citing both health and environmental concerns as the primary reasons for the ban. Disposable Vapes Seen as Gateway to Nicotine Addiction Vandenbroucke emphasized that the inexpensive disposable vapes have become a significant health threat, as they provide an easy way for teenagers to start smoking and become addicted to nicotine. He stated, “Disposable e-cigarettes is a new product simply designed to attract new consumers. E-cigarettes often contain nicotine. Nicotine makes you addicted to…

A group of Iowa vaping businesses and organizations, led by Iowans For Alternatives to Smoking and Tobacco (IFAST), has filed a lawsuit against the Iowa Department of Revenue over a new state law that would severely limit the products they can legally sell. The law, House File 2677, requires all e-cigarettes and vaping products to have marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to have been marketed in the United States as of August 8, 2016. Under the new law, which is set to take effect on February 3, 2025, vapor product manufacturers must have submitted a…

The Denver City Council voted 11-1 on Monday night to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products within the city limits. The ordinance, sponsored by Council member Darrell Watson, includes e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, vapes, and other flavored nicotine and tobacco products. It will amend Denver’s municipal code, making it illegal for retailers to sell or deliver these products. Advocates Cite Health Benefits and Reduced Targeting of Youth and People of Color Advocates for the ban argue that it will keep nicotine products out of the hands of teenagers and young adults, leading to better health outcomes for the community. Watson…

Material Focus Research Suggests Government’s Disposable Vape Ban May Not Adequately Address Environmental Concerns A recent study conducted by Material Focus, a UK-based organization focused on sustainable materials management, has revealed that 8.2 million out of the 13.5 million vapes purchased weekly in the UK are either improperly disposed of or incorrectly recycled. This alarming statistic underscores the growing environmental challenges posed by the vaping industry, despite the government’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes set to take effect in June 2025. Lack of Clear Recycling Information and Infrastructure The Material Focus research highlights a significant knowledge gap among consumers, with…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to eight online retailers and one manufacturer for allegedly selling unauthorized flavored, disposable e-cigarettes. The warning letters cite several brands popular among youth, as well as products featuring the names or images of celebrities. Violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act The firms receiving these warning letters sold and/or distributed e-cigarettes in the United States without obtaining the required marketing authorization from the FDA, violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA has cautioned the firms to address any similar violations and take prompt action…

The UK vaping industry is bracing for a major upheaval as the impending ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect in April 2025, draws closer. According to recent data, the category has already experienced a £43.6 million decline in sales and a 2.7 million unit decrease. ElfBar, known for its popular 600 Disposable device, has been hit the hardest, with a staggering £284 million loss – the biggest absolute loss in this year’s Top Products. Vaping Uptake Slows, Disposables Dominate Market The rise in vaping appears to have reached its peak, with growth slowing down in recent years. The…