Bill would ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Bill would ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors

Dee DeQuattro

ddequattro@abc6.com

Purchasing cigarettes under the age of 18 is prohibited and soon it may be prohibited for minors to buy electronic cigarettes as well.

A new bill proposed by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio would ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to those under 18. Ruggerio (Providence, North Providence) says the e-cigarette acts as an electronic nicotine delivery system and could potentially get kids addicted to nicotine.

 "These may not be real cigarettes, but the objective is to deliver nicotine to the user," said Ruggerio "Getting kids hooked on nicotine through an e-cigarette is, as far as I'm concerned, no better than getting them started on regular cigarettes. If we believe in protecting the health of young people, we need to keep these electronic smoking devices out of their hands."

The bill would expand the definition of "tobacco products" to include "tobacco derived products" and "vapor products."

"Those who say these products are designed for adults who want to quit smoking real tobacco products are ignoring the fact they are marketed to be appealing to youngsters, offered in flavors such as bubblegum and chocolate," said Ruggerio. "Kids may see these as fun things, but as adults, we should know better and take action to keep our children safe."