Some EBR Leaders Call for Regulation of Vape Product Retailers

The East Baton Rouge Metro Council is currently discussing a resolution that aims to regulate the sale of vape products in the parish. The authors of the resolution are concerned that retailers selling e-cigarettes and other vape products are not subject to the same rules and regulations as other businesses selling similar products. The resolution is now in the hands of the Metro Council and is being studied by the parish attorney’s office, the permit office, and the planning commission.

Background

Councilman Rowdy Gaudet of District 3, along with Councilwoman Denise Amoroso of District 8, are spearheading the resolution. They want to ensure that vape shops and other retailers selling e-cigarettes are not flying below the radar and are subject to the same rules and regulations as other businesses. Councilman Gaudet began looking into the issue and found that these types of shops were being treated differently and zoned differently than other businesses. He found that there were no specific requirements for these types of retailers, which raised concerns about the safety of children.

What the Resolution Entails

The resolution requests that the parish attorney’s office, the permit office, and the planning commission study the regulations and distance requirements for tobacco retailers, specifically vape shops and other retailers selling e-cigarettes or vape products. Councilman Gaudet is aware of the multitude of shops popping up in and around the parish but is unsure under what regulations or ordinances they should fall. He hopes that this study will answer that question.

Why the Study is Needed

Councilman Gaudet emphasized that the study is all about the safety of children and is not meant to target specific businesses. He noted that these types of retailers are treated as general retailers and that there are no requirements from schools, churches, or neighborhoods for them, unlike other products. He wants to know how other communities are treating this issue and how they are regulating these types of retailers. He hopes that the study will provide insight into how the parish can improve its regulations and ensure that these businesses are operating safely and within the law.

Louisiana’s Age Regulation for Vaping and Smoking

In June 2021, a bill was passed in Louisiana to raise the age for vaping, smoking, or using any tobacco or nicotine product from 18 to 21. The bill makes it illegal for people under 21 to buy or use these products. Councilman Gaudet wants to uphold this regulation, but he believes that these types of retailers are not limited to it. He wants to ensure that they are following all the regulations that apply to other businesses selling similar products.

Conclusion

The resolution being discussed by the East Baton Rouge Metro Council is an effort to ensure that retailers selling e-cigarettes and other vape products are subject to the same rules and regulations as other businesses. The study being conducted by the parish attorney’s office, the permit office, and the planning commission will provide insight into how the parish can improve its regulations and ensure that these businesses are operating safely and within the law. The goal is not to target specific businesses but to protect the safety of children.

FAQs

1. What is the resolution being discussed by the East Baton Rouge Metro Council?

The resolution being discussed aims to regulate the sale of vape products in the parish. The authors of the resolution want to ensure that vape shops and other retailers selling e-cigarettes are subject to the same rules and regulations as other businesses selling similar products.

2. Who spearheaded the resolution?

Councilman Rowdy Gaudet of District 3 and Councilwoman Denise Amoroso of District 8 spearheaded the resolution.

3. What is the goal of the resolution?

The goal of the resolution is to protect the safety of children by ensuring that retailers selling e-cigarettes and other vape products are not flying below the radar and are subject to the same rules and regulations as other businesses.

4. What will the study being conducted by the parish attorney’s office, the permit office, and the planning commission provide?

The study will provide insight into how the parish can improve its regulations and ensure that businesses selling e-cigarettes and other vape products are operating safely and within the law.

5. What is Louisiana’s age regulation for vaping and smoking?

Louisiana’s age regulation for vaping and smoking is that the age to buy or use any tobacco or nicotine product is raised from 18 to 21, making it illegal for people under 21 to buy or use these products.