Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Los Angeles Wants To Treat E-Cigs Like Regular Cigarettes
(Photo by Marc Bruxelle via Shutterstock.)
()
In an effort to regulate the burgeoning e-cigarette market, the Los Angeles City Council voted 15-0 today on two separate ordinances: one bans the sale of e-cigs to minors and another treats e-cigs in the same vein as traditional cigarettes
E-cigarettes are tar-less and involve inhaling a water-based substance laced with nicotine. As of right now, e-cigs are allowed pretty much anywhere. The plans, brought up by Paul Koretz, aims for that to change.
Overall, the plan to group e-cigarettes in the same category as traditional cigarettes will open the door to banning them from use in restaurants, stores, beaches, elevators and outdoor recreation areas, the L.A. Weekly reports.
The plan, which was also seconded by Mitch O'Farrell, is the first major attempt by the city to address the issue of e-cigarette use in the city.
Support for LAist comes from
Koretz's report indicates that e-cigarette usage among teens has doubled, from 4.7 percent in 2011 to 10 percent in 2012. The report reads:
It should be noted that candy flavorings and fruit flavorings are known to entice children and are banned in traditional cigarettes. However, products such as electronic cigarettes that contain these flavorings can be easily purchased at retail stores.
The report notes that there already is a state law in place banning the sale of e-cigs to minors, but the law isn't clear as to who can sell them. The plan aims to fix that by forcing sellers of e-cigarettes to get the same kind of permit that sellers of traditional cigarettes have.
All the ordinances need now is a signature from Mayor Garcetti to take effect. For the time being, we advise e-cig aficionados to enjoy their freedom while it lasts.
Related:
Unregulated, Addictive, And Enticing: E-Cigarettes Suck In Smokers But Risks Remain
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist