Vaping advocates rally against state ban

January 29, 2020 6:14 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The state’s ban on flavored vaping products is taking a toll on local vape shop owners like Darren Tripoli.

“Our sales have dramatically decreased, 75–80% company–wide,” said Tripoli of Sunshine Vape. “And that tells me people are going back to smoking.”

He says smoking cigarettes is much more harmful.

That’s why Tripoli and others are rallying at the State House against the ban.

“It hurts the consumers,” said Matthew Elliott of the United Vapers Alliance. “It hurts the smokers who are looking to use this product instead of smoking cigarettes.”

Governor Raimondo says she’s banning flavored vaping products because they appeal to children.

But Elliot says now that tobacco products are now banned for anyone under 21 nationwide, Rhode Island’s flavor ban actually hurts adults.

“Parents have to do a better job of staying on top of what their kids are doing,” Elliott said. “Why should adults be punished for the actions of the youth?”

Vaping activists say they’re hoping the rally will get the attention of legislators, but one says she’s already changed her mind.

Representative Julie Casimiro says she originally supported the flavor ban until she met with stakeholders.

She says prohibition doesn’t work but sensible regulations might.

“Stricter penalties for those who get caught buying for kids underage, or for kids underage who have vaping materials on them,” Rep. Casimiro said. “A ban is not going to solve this problem.”

She says she will introduce legislation to regulate vaping next week.