(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Cook County is closer to banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in unincorporated areas.
Tobacco retailers in suburban Cook would not be able to sell flavors such as berry blast, chocolate crepe and menthol under the ordinance approved by the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Wednesday.
Jason Hernandez with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office says the industry’s model is focused on deceptive marketing, especially towards young people.
The National Youth Tobacco Survey found 2.5 million young Americans vaped last year while the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids says more than 8 in 10 young e-cigarette smokers use flavored products.
Josh Sharp, CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, said the restriction would simply shift business to areas without the regulation and create a patchwork of laws.
Under the ordinance, any of the 42 licensed tobacco retailers in unincorporated Cook would face a $250 fine the first time they are caught selling flavored vapes.
The amount would double for second and third violations.
Several commissioners, while voting for the measure, raised concerns about a black market that could emerge.
The full Cook County Board is slated to take up the ordinance Thursday morning.
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