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 of small businesses in the state. “I can foresee already there is about to be 500-700 store closures coming,” Afzaal said. “Rhode Island should not have issued any of those licenses if they were planning to ban a specific aspect of the business.”
New Vape Taxes Also Take Effect
In addition to the flavored vape ban, Rhode Island has introduced new taxes on e-cigarette products. Single-use vape products will be subject to a tax of 50 cents per milliliter of liquid, while refillable e-cigarettes will face a 10% tax on their wholesale price.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Ban
ABC6 News spoke with several individuals about the new law, revealing conflicting perspectives on the ban. Some, like Kelsey Lavin, believe that people should have the right to decide what they put into their bodies, while others, such as Blake Rogers, view the ban as a positive step in preventing the marketing of flavored vape cartridges to children.
The Rhode Island Department of Health cites potential health risks associated with vaping, including memory issues, lung problems, and heart complications. Officials argue that sweet, candy-like flavors mask the taste and effects of tobacco use, making it easier for kids to become addicted.
Business Owners Consider Leaving the State
Afzaal, who sold his two Rhode Island stores in anticipation of the ban, argues that the law infringes on the rights of adult consumers, stating that 21-year-olds are mature enough to decide whether they want to purchase flavored vapes. He believes that many other business owners may leave Rhode Island as a result of the ban.
As Rhode Island implements the flavored vape ban and new taxes on e-cigarettes, the vaping industry faces significant challenges in adapting to the changing regulatory landscape. The potential impact on local businesses and consumer choice remains a topic of ongoing debate.
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