Town may ban vaping by minors, regulate product sales

The Miami Lakes council took the first step toward prohibiting businesses in town from selling vaping products to minors.
Councilmembers gave their initial approval of a proposed ordinance at the
Dec. 10 meeting.
The ordinance also would require business owners to post signs and to obtain proof of age from customers before selling the products.
And it would also become illegal for minors to possess e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes heat a liquid and produce an aerosol which users inhale, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The products may contain nicotine, flavors and other additives and have attractive designs that young users are drawn to.
The CDC said on Dec. 4 that there is an outbreak of lung injuries associated with the use of vaping products.
In the past eight months, there were 100-149 patients hospitalized in Florida; 52 people in 25 states have died.
Of the 2,409 patients hospitalized nationwide with lung injuries linked to e-cigarette products, 16 percent, or about 385, were younger than 18, the CDC said.
Councilmembers decided to save discussion about the proposed ordinance for a public hearing and council meeting on Jan. 21.
Similar ordinances have been passed in neighboring municipalities and by Miami-Dade County, according to a memo to the council from Town Manager
Edward Pidermann.