Tobacco shop retailers are following a new law that keeps them from selling electronic cigarettes to minors. Many smokers use e-cigarettes as a replacement for tobacco cigarettes. The battery-operated devices heat small amounts of a nicotine solution. Smokers then inhale the vapors.
Donnie Angelini runs a tobacco shop in Raleigh. He says his policy has always been to market his store's products to adults only.
"Previous to the bill even being brought to the floor, I had signage near my point of sale that we will not sell to minors." Angelini says. "Since this bill has come to fruition, there's specific signage and what it states on there you can see from the General Assembly and we currently have it up right now in the store."
Angelini says there are teens who continue to ask him about the tobacco alternative. He sees that as an indication of its growing popularity.
"This last year has been the exponential year in the market," says Angelini. "The equipment has improved more vastly in the last year than any year since it's been invented. So I think with that and having better performing devices you can fill yourself, I've seen it become very popular."
He says he tells those who inquire that while some people use e-cigarettes to cut back on real cigarettes, no research says the devices are a healthier alternative. Retailers who sell e-cigarettes to minors could face a $1,000 fine.
