Governor’s 2021 budget proposal cracks down on vape stores
By: Ellie Romano
Email: ERomano@ABC6.com
Twitter: @ERomano@ABC6.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – State lawmakers are trying to crack down on vaping with several new pieces of legislation.
The lawmakers behind the legislation all say their goal is to keep vaping related products out of the hands of kids and teens.
However, vape shop owners say they are the ones really being targeted.
Rep. Dennis Canario (D, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) introduced a bill that would allow cities and towns to ban vaping in public places.
“People have been complaining about walking by people who are vaping and how it smells,” said Rep. Canario.
He said the heart of his bill is to discourage kids from vaping.
“We’re trying to get people to live a healthier lifestyle,” said Canario. “We don’t want to encourage our younger folks to take up a habit because it looks cool.”
Also in the works is Governor Gina Raimondo’s budget for 2021, which includes multiple vaping restrictions. It would make her executive order banning flavored vaping products permanent.
Vape shop owners tell ABC6 a permanent ban will hurt small businesses more than it will protect teens.
“Since the flavor ban, I had to layoff staff and cut hours,” said Donna Dionne, owner of R.I. E-Cig & Vapes. “Things have been really hard. It’s hard to keep the doors open.”
Raimondo’s budget proposal also raises the age to buy tobacco products and e-cigs from 18 to 21, which is already a Federal law. It also creates an 80% tax on all e-liquid products.
“I think it’s a lot for the small businesses,” said Rep. Grace Diaz (D, Providence) at a House Finance meeting discussing the budget. “I didn’t hear a word about any plan on how you can address the crises of smoking.”
Dionne is also worried that the legislation does not address how to stop teen vaping. She said instead, the governor’s budget is a death sentence to vape shop owners.
“We will all go out of business,” said Dionne.
There is a separate bill currently in the House Health, Education & Welfare committee that would create a statewide curriculum that teaches students K-12 about vaping related risks.
©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020
