Electronic cigarettes are sparking a new debate as the start of the legislative session is about to kick off. The smoking alternative is growing in popularity all across the metro.
Corey Halfhill opened his third, and largest, Central Iowa Electronic Cigarette store Wednesday.
“Growth has just been tremendous, and a lot of it’s been word of mouth,” Halfhill said.
Electronic cigarettes are rising in popularity thanks to a growing customer base of former smokers such as Trey Gray.
“Because there’s like a 1,000 chemicals in cigarettes that can cause cancer and so on and so forth and vaping or e-cigarettes are not known to cause problems,” Gray said.
For now, the industry faces light government oversight, but that could change following this year’s legislative session.
“I think it’s imperative that the legislature enact a ban on e-cigs to minors,” said Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.
Miller is calling for tighter restrictions on e-cigarettes. He wants lawmakers to review whether the smoking alternative should be taxed the same as traditional tobacco.
“I think the tax question is an open question that we should work with the legislature on and have a good discussion with the e-cig people,” Miller said.
Small business owners such as Halfhill fear tinkering with the tax rate will deter customers and slow store growth.
“We’re a little hesitant getting this one started because of that,” Halfhill said.
A legislative director for the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association said it would be a public health disaster if the government makes e-cigarettes less affordable and less attractive for consumers.
E-cigarettes spark debate prior to legislative session
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