Board of Health adopts electronic cigarette rules

EPHRATA - The Grant County Board of Health (BOH) has adopted rules and regulations governing the sale, marketing, use, and availability of electronic vapor devices and E-liquid.

The Board of Health has studied the issue and received public testimony for several months, according to publicist Theresa Adkinson.

Specific concerns were bystander exposure to second hand vapors and children's access, she said.

Electronic vapor devices, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, are battery powered and can resemble cigarettes. They do not contain tobacco, although the nicotine that they can contain may be from tobacco.

The Ordinance addresses two public health concerns not currently being addressed by Washington State or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - access for youths and areas of use, Adkinson said.

The Ordinance restricts the sale and distribution of electronic vapor devices and e-liquid (with or without nicotine) to people 18 and older. Retailers will be required to display a sign that states sales are prohibited to youths under the age of 18.

It also requires products to be stored behind a counter or in a locked cabinet and prohibits sales through vending machines where minors are present.

The Ordinance mirrors the Smoking in Public Places law. This means a person cannot use an electronic vapor device in the same places where cigarettes are prohibited.

The one exception is "vape shops" that exclusively sell these products and restricts access to minors under the age of 18.

The ordinance takes effect on January 1.