Proposed regulations for vapor inhalers, also known as electronic cigarettes, have cleared the committee level and are to be sent on to the San Diego City Council. If passed, the two ordinances would regulate retail sales of the battery-operated e-cigarette devices and restrict their use. The rules would generally conform to restrictions on tobacco products. “Our goal here,” Councilman Mark Kersey said at a June 18 Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee meeting, “is to provide some sensible restrictions on these so that adults are able to utilize these safely in places that are not around kids, and that kids under the age of 18 do not have access to these, and also give our local law enforcement the ability to enforce state law regarding the sale to minors.”
Deputy City Attorney Linda Peter said the proposed retailing ordinance would require store owners who sell e-cigarettes to obtain a police permit, prohibit sales of the devices and their paraphernalia through vending machines and restrict advertisements or promotions visible in public areas.
Deputy City Attorney Ken So told committee members that use of vapor inhalers would be prohibited in the same types of places where people aren’t allowed to smoke, such as restaurants, theaters, sports facilities, parks and beaches. The devices would be allowed in residences, vehicles, e-cigarette shops and vaping lounges, So said.