Legislation sponsored by Commissioner Jordan, bans E-Cigarette sales to minors in Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade –Due to raised concerns about the safety, health and environmental effects of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine dispensing devices, also known as e-cigarettes, the Miami Dade County Commission passed an ordinance on June 3, 2014, sponsored by Commissioner Barbara J Jordan, prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine dispensing devices to minors.

The ordinance prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes and other nicotine dispensing devices to minors and also prohibits self-service merchandising accessible to minors. Any vendor found in violation will be subject to a $500 fine. Fines for possession or purchase by minors are subject to a $25 fine for the first offence, $50 for the second offense and $100 for each subsequent offense.

The popularity of e-cigarette’s has steadily grown since 2008 with consumers led to believe that e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, despite the fact that most devices contain nicotine and have the potential to be addictive. Concerns have also been raised as to the safety, health and environmental effects of the vapor emitted from e-cigarettes, both to the user and individuals in close proximity inhaling the vapor.

In addition, there is no regulatory oversight ensuring the safety of the ingredients in electronic cigarettes. However, the National Association of Attorneys General issued an urging, signed by 42 attorneys general, to the Commissioner of the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately regulate the sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes.