BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – The vaping business in Western New York has never been busier.
But that’s not exactly a good thing.
Fears of impending regulation including the statewide ban on flavored e-cigarettes and looming federal regulations that would do the same are causing owners of some vape shops in Western New York to put in double-time to meet the demand from customers.
“It’s so busy right now because everyone’s stocking up,” Vapor Trail co-owner CJ Johnston told WBEN last week. “The sad thing is I have two other employees here. They’re going to be gone. My step-mother right now is in Mercy Hospital having open-heart surgery and I can’t be there because I have to be here assisting people get their e-liquid.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the temporary restraining order on the regulations related to vaping on September 17. The 90-day emergency order bans possession, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of all vaping flavors except tobacco and menthol.
A state judge denied the vaping industry’s request to delay the emergency ban last week.
In addition to the potential loss of employees, there are some concerns that many vaping shops, including Johnston’s and Andrew Osborne’s shop in South Buffalo, may close altogether.
Johnston argued that the loss of the vaping industry in New York State could impact taxes. He also reiterated previous concerns that the loss of vaping could mean a return to cigarette smoking for many people.
“(Later this year) The 20 percent tax on all e-liquid goes into play,” he said. “The tobacco 21 act is going into play next month as well. This is something they’ve worked on to get out of the youths fan. They plan to tax it already.”
READ MORE: Additional information about the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
“The Master Settlement Agreement will tell you everything,” Johnston said.