TRENTON, N.J. -- In a potential one-two punch for tobacco retailers in New Jersey, state lawmakers are considering a ban on most flavored electronic cigarettes and a ban on coupons for all tobacco products.
E-Cig Limitations
Health committees in both the state’s Assembly and Senate approved measures that would ban the sale of a range of flavored e-cigarettes, reported NJ.com. The state already has a law restricting flavors for regular cigarettes, but the new proposals would expand that law to e-cigs, cartridges and liquid refills. The state allows only three flavors—clove, menthol and tobacco—for cigarettes, and the new proposal on e-cigs would have the same requirement.
The bill requires approval from both the Assembly and the Senate, plus Gov. Chris Christie’s signature, before becoming law. If the law passes, first-time violators would face a fine of $250, with fines growing to $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third.
Coupon Ban
Meanwhile, the Assembly’s health panel last week approved a bill that would prohibit the use of coupons and promotional offers for tobacco and vapor products. Similar to the flavor ban, the measure has fines of $250 to $1,000 depending on the number of violations.
“Despite bans on marketing tobacco and nicotine products to young people, they are still being exposed to promotional offers,” Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D), one of the bill’s three sponsors, said to NJ.com. “Banning discounts and promotions can help eliminate their curiosity and susceptibility to trying nicotine products and consequently, becoming addicted.”
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