[ Just paste broken links shown in purple directly into your browser - the extra line doesn't matter. Pls. PM me if you have more recent info. about proposed/actual legislation, if you think I've missed an important story, or if you want more tweaks to the formatting program. ]
1) EuroMonitor estimates vaping industry will be worth $7 billion in 2014, at least four times as large as last year, according to Bloomberg News. (Related: vaping sales rise by 340% in 2013.)
2) Did vapers dodge the bullet in UT? HB 112 passes the house, but without internet sales ban or composition requirements.
3) AK HB 360 introduced to extend indoor clean air act to cover vaping.
4) VT H 217 passes house - would ban tobacco burning in vehicles containing minors - not yet applied to vaping.
5) Cambodia moves to crack down on vaping, after banning it completely yesterday.
6) US Dem. Sen.s' introduction of a bill to "protect children" from PV marketing has worked (at least as PR). US media everywhere presume that the PV industry is actively marketing its products to children. (While proclaiming their righteous indignation, of course.) Articles are collected that the end of this post, as well as those about yesterday's passage of SB 267 by the KY sen.
7) WA's SB 6569 (95% wholesale tax) appears to have died in cmte, but HB 2795 does the same thing.
8) Dr. Siegal reports that FDA's decision to remove the mini-cigars (bidis) from the market under the substantial equivalence doctrine accomplilshed ... absolutely nothing.
Coverage: Cambodia, Canada, US States: VT, AL, MI, UT, WA, OR, CA, AK
Also: Dr. Rodu (and Clive Bates) on the EU TPD; Gary Cox on the ENDD event at the New Museum; Glantz mentions CASAA in the same blog post with BT and tried to generally smear all opponents of the proposed LA ordinance with BT's reputation (as he has done repeatedly in the past to ordinary vaper volunteers); Gary Cox on the new landscape of vaping media, politics and economics; Gary again on last week's ENDD event at the New Museum in NYC.
***
STUDIES, BLOGS, ETC.
Title: FDA Has Accomplished Nothing to Make Cigarettes Safer; Not Even Denying Substantial Equivalence Application
(Dr. Siegal's Blog) http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/02/fda-has-accomplished-nothing-to-make.html
Remember all the fuss about those mini-cigars (bidis) that were supposedly pulled off the market by the FDA, using the doctrine of "substantial equivalence?" Turns out they weren't even on the market.
Title: Intolerable Acts By European E-Cigarette Opponents
(Dr. Rodu's blog) http://rodutobaccotruth.blogspot.com/2014/02/intolerable-acts-by-european-e.html
Analysis of the EU Tobacco Products Directive, much of this is the response by Clive Bates. Those of you who would like to get up to speed might consider starting with this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...urope-has-fallen-big-money-has-triumphed.html
Title: E-Cig Market Wars: the People just might win!
(ECF's InfoZone) E-Cig Market Wars: the People just might win! - ECF InfoZone
Gary Cox surveys the current situation - BT vs. vapers and the 'clean hands' firms. He provides some advice for practical action, and prognostications about the future.
Title: Music Tracks for Vapers Highlight Art Event in Manhattan
Music Tracks for Vapers Highlight Art Event in Manhattan - ECF InfoZone
Gary again, with a report on what happened at last week's ENDD event at the New Museum in NYC.
Title: Big Tobacco pulling out all the stops to block or water down LA ecig law
(Glantz's blog) http://www.tobacco
.ucsf.edu/big-tobacco-pulling-out-all-stops-block-or-water-down-la-ecig-law
As usual with Glantz, everyone is a shill or lacky of BT if they disagree with his goal of making sure that vaping is treated and viewed as just another form of cigarette smoking. That includes vapers in general, of course. Oh, and CASAA to boot - which he mentions here, in the same breath as the "ecig companies:" http://tobacco.ucsf
.edu/ecigtobacco-companies-push-los-angeles-city-council-protect-use-tv-and-movies-promote-ecigs
Remember that accusation he made about ten days ago - to the effect that the vaping industry was somehow behind the pro-vaping stance of "right-wing think tanks?" (You know, the one that Siegal's shaming quite likely forced Glantz to remove from his blog?) Of course, he doesn't get any money from any well-heeled interest anywhere - directly or indirectly - now, um, does he? (Perhaps that explains why he's so quick to besmirch others, whose hands actually are clean.)
***
WORLD
Title: Rise of E-Cigarettes Hurt Tax Revenues [market worth est'd $7B by end of 2014]
(Bloomberg News) http://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=7hz2bQgIqbQ
This will likely be pulled down from YouTube in the next couple of days, but what's most interesting about this junk-free report is the portion at 0:27 - "Market researchers EuroMonitor Int'l estimates that that the industry will be worth seven billion dollars by the end of the year." I can't find a suitable link to this number, perhaps it's not available to the general public. However as many of you have noted, the industry's value during 2013 is often quoted as being anywhere from $1 - $1.5B. This would mean that sales are expected to increase around five fold this year. This is consistent with the above reports about a three fold increase in the UK during 2013 (over 2012).
Title: BAT’s tobacco volumes down last year
(Blu's Tobacco amalgam site) http://www.tobaccoreporter
.com/2014/02/bats-tobacco-volumes-down-last-year/
BAT's european tobacco sales down 7.7%. No junk.
Title: BAT’s e-cigarette a bid to stay ahead
(Ind. Newspapers Zambia amalgam size) http://www.iol
.co.za/business/international/bat-s-e-cigarette-a-bid-to-stay-ahead-1.1653979#.UxC-is5obfg
Similar to above, but notes that the new BAT PV that was mentioned in this space yesterday will use "asthma inhaler technlogy." (Does that mean it will deliver unheated vapor?) No junk.
***
CAMBODIA
Title: E-Cigarettes, Shisha Go Up in Smoke in Cambodia
(US Nat'l Business) http://blogs.wsj
.com/searealtime/2014/02/27/e-cigarettes-shisha-go-up-in-smoke-in-cambodia/
Cambodian authorities are already aggressively moving to enforce the complete ban on vaping (and possession of PVs). No junk. If you get the paywall message, close your browser, and clear your cookies.
***
UK
Title: Puffing away! E-cigarette sales soar by 340 per cent... but some are taking it up as a 'healthier' alternative to smoking
(UK nat'l paper) http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/news/article-2569950/E-cigarette-sales-soar-340-cent-taking-healthier-alternative-smoking.html#ixzz2ue7EQujH
2013 sales of PVs up in the UK from £44M to £193M (US$73M to $321M), up by 340% Sales of traditioal NRTs is up 1.7% to £131M (US $218M). Some general junk regarding minor "fears and concerns," as is typical for these stories.
Title: Users warn EU e-cigarette controls could cost lives
(BBC) BBC News - Users warn EU e-cigarette controls could cost lives
Cursory piece on the TPD's passage, more of a "human interest" story about local UK vapers. Some generalized "fears & concerns" junk.
Title: Electronic cigarettes may increase the appeal of smoking among young people, Public Health Minister warns
(Glasgow Sct UK local paper) http://www.dailyrecord
.co.uk/news/health/electronic-cigarettes-increase-appeal-smoking-3190266
The title of this unilluminating piece says it all. "Concerns, fears and worries" just about sums it up. That said, it is surprising that Scotland hasn't yet banned the sale of PVs to minors. The Herald put out an almost identical piece, right down to the sequence of paragraphs: http://www.heraldscotland
.com/news/home-news/michael-matheson-e-cigs-could-lead-to-smoking-being-normalised-again.1393523297
Title: Dilemma for pharmacy as the ecigarette market grows
(UK retailer trade site) http://blog.iriworldwide
.eu/index.php/2014/02/27/dilemma-for-pharmacy-as-the-ecigarette-market-grows/
Market analyst argues that pharmacies will increasingly be offering PVs due to their public image as an effective cessation product. No junk.
***
CANADA
Title: Melodie Tilson: Time to embrace - and regulate - e-cigarettes
(Toronto ON Ca. nat'l paper) http://fullcomment.nationalpost
.com/2014/02/28/melodie-tilson-time-to-embrace-and-regulate-e-cigarettes/
As you might anticipate with a piece written by the head of Ca's Non-Smokers' Rights Assn, we hear many of the usual bogus claims about the gateway effect, the harm to bystanders, and a new argument to the effect that smokers who have already "quit" - by which the author means that they don't vape, either - shouldn't exposed to "cues to smoke." (So-o what does that mean about vapers who have to vape with the smokers? Or is that irrelevant to public health policy - because vapers still "smoke," anyway?) We also find the dual-use propaganda. On the whole, US ANTZ orgs would be pleased with this article's conflation of vaping with smoking, the underlying premise being that both should be regulated (and taxed) in exactly the same way. One aspect that wouldn't please many ANTZ is the concession that vaping is "much safer" than smoking. (Oops, the party line on that is that the "dangers are unknown," hence vaping could be even worse - just ask Mitch Zeller, the FDA's Tobacco Products head. Or as Glantz said last week in an interview with a local SF network affiliate, it's the difference beteween jumping out of a 50-story window, and jumping out of a 10-story window.) The author also correctly observes that vaping is a much more effective cessation method than the approved therapies. (Once again it seems that she didn't "get the memo" about the inefectiveness of vaping, because most vapers allegedly still smoke, and vape only when they have to.) She also forgot to say that smokers shouldn't turn to vaping as a harm reduction tool, instead they should "stick with the FDA-approved methods," as Consumer Reports helpfully advised recently. Finally the author fails to tar all vapers with the stigma of BT, an omission which would likely be viewed as a cardinal sin by orthodox American ANTZ. What this shows is that Canada's ANTZ are somewhat less virulent than their fellow travellers in other countries, but they still agree that vapers ought to be viewed by society and regulators as functionally indistinguishable from smokers. (You wouldn't want to hire a vaper. And you most certainly wouldn't want your child or sibling to marry one. Ugh.)
***
US NATIONAL
Title: No e-cigs for former smoker Obama, White House says
(Washington DC local paper) http://www.washingtontimes
.com/news/2014/feb/27/obama-hasnt-tried-electronic-cigarettes-white-hous/
WH Spokkesperson Jay Carney says Obama has never tried vaping, and also that Carney has "never seen one" at the WH. No junk.
Title: Debate: Should e-cigarettes have regulation immunity?
(Long Is. NY US local paper) http://www.newsday
.com/opinion/oped/debate-should-e-cigarettes-have-regulation-immunity-1.7228513
I was hoping for a bit more thought on both sides: the focus seems to be on the psychology behind the demand for regulation. That said, the "ANTZ" advocate isn't terribly ANTZ-like, and his points are refreshingly junk-free.
Title: Europe Sets New Rules for E-Cigs While the U.S. Drags Its Feet
(US Nat'l Newsmag.) http://nation.time
.com/2014/02/27/electronic-cigarettes-europe-united-states-regulations/#ixzz2udgrj05e
As you might expect from Time, this piece cites all the "concerns, fears and unknowns" from ANTZ, including some lengthy quotes from Mitch Zeller. It encourages states and local jurisdictions to follow the examples of NYC and Chicago (both cities now ban outdoor vaping in many locations). The piece is written based on the premise that vaping is functionally identical to smoking and that BT is marketing it to children. Finally it argues there is simply no credible information whatsoever available about the relative dangers of vaping and smoking, the effect on bystanders, or the usefulness of vaping as a cessation/HRT tool. Despite the absence of incendiary junk such as FDA '09, or the usual efforts to besmirch all vapers with the reputation of BT, this article is an excellent example of how to advance the ANTZ POV, while stylistically exuding sweet reasonableness.
---
US: VERMONT
Title: House Moves To Ban Smoking In Cars With Kids
(VT Public Radio, VT US) http://digital.vpr
.net/post/house-moves-ban-smoking-cars-kids
This appears to be H217: The Vermont Legislative Bill Tracking System which has not yet been ammended to include vaping. But if the experience in NJ with A1080 is relevant, there's a very real chance that this bill could be ammended to include vaping in the Sen. No junk.
[ VT H 632 would completely ban vaping. It's still in comte. See: CASAA: Call to Action! Vermont Bill to Ban Sale of E-Cigarettes (including to adults) ]
---
US: ALABAMA
Title: Explosive e-cigarette growth prompts vapor shop business boom across north Alabama
(AL US local paper amalgam site) http://www.al
.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/explosive_e-cigarette_growth_p.html
A relatively pro-vaping article with no obvious junk that I can find.
[ AL's SB168 would explicitly exempt vaping from its indoor smoking ban, minor sales ban already in effect. See: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ld-ban-smoking-but-not-vaping-workplaces.html ]
---
US: MICHIGAN
Title: Lighting up: Lawmakers, businesses look to set limits on e-cigarette craze
(Kalamazoo MI US CBS affiliate) http://wwmt.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wwmt_lighting-up-lawmakers-businesses-look-set-limits-ecigarette-craze-18711
.shtml#.UxDUss5obfg
Reporter talks with local vapers and vape shop owners about vaping and minor sales (owners won't to sell to minors, of course). Local GP refuses to say that vaping is any better than smoking. Refreshingly free of "fears, concerns and unknowns" about minors, although does mention HB 4997, one of several simple minor sales bans (see below). Local movie theater has banned vaping, on the grounds that it's a "distraction" because it looks like smoking (and has a "fragrance").
[ MI appears to have several simple minor sales bans in the works - SB 667/8 HB 4997 5007. None of them are out of cmte yet. ]
---
US: UTAH
Title: ‘Gutted’ e-cigarette bill passes House
(SLC UT local paper) http://www.sltrib
.com/sltrib/politics/57613922-90/cigarettes-ray-bill-gibson.html.csp
UT HB 112 passes, unanimously - but without many of the onerous provisions that vapers opposed. This just happened this afternoon, so I'm not quite sure whether it's as innocuous as the article describes - for ex. age verification is required at both ends for Internet sales, and this may be a serious obstacle. Watch for updates on this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ade-nicotine-require-license-make-sell-2.html
---
US: WASHINGTON (STATE)
Title: Bill would impose 95% tax on e-cigarettes
(Seattle WA US Area local paper) http://www.bizjournals
.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2014/02/legislature-could-place-a-95-tax-on.html?page=all
Apparently SB 6569 died in cmte, but HB 2795 does exactly the same thing - i.e. imposes WA's 95% wholesale tax on tobacco cigarettes to PVs. Brief junk-free report summarizes reactions from local businesses. Finance Cmte is looking at HB 2795 today (Friday). See CASAA call: CASAA: Call to Action! Washington Bill to Impose Excessive 95% Tax on E-Cigarettes
---
US: OREGON
Title: Glowing debate: Are e-cigarettes safer?
(Redmond OR US ind. TV station) http://www.ktvz
.com/news/glowing-debate-are-ecigarettes-safer/-/413192/24728208/-/t07poj/-/index.html
Another (mostly) fact-free "fears and concerns" story about minors, except with the CDC junk, helpfully provided by a local ANTZ. Two bills just died in OR recently - one would've prohibited sales to minors, the other would've extended OR's clean indoor air act to include vaping.
---
US: CALIFORNIA
Title: City Council doesn’t see e-cigarettes same as the real thing
(Camarillo CA ind. web site) http://www.mpacorn
.com/news/2014-02-28/Front_Page/City_Council_doesnt_see_ecigarettes_same_as_the_re.html
Junk-free article about a vape store owner's experience in a small Simi Valley town. For now, the City Council decided not to require a tobacco permit for a new vape shop, overruling town staff. This is a rather surprising result given the fact that many municipalities in both northern and southern CA have decided to treat vape B&Ms as tobacco stores, and some have enacted moratoriums on future licences (which apparently do not apply to stores that sell only traditional tobacco products).
[ CA is under threat from a wide variety of legislation, such as an internet sales ban: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-shipment-e-cigarettes-anyone-california.html ]
---
US: ALASKA
Title: Smoking Ban Would Expand, Include E-Cigarettes Under House Bill
(AP) http://www.ktuu
.com/news/news/smoking-ban-would-expand-include-ecigarettes-under-house-bill/24732830
HB 360 would ban vaping wherever smoking is banned - indoors and outdoors (20 ft. perimeter for most public places). Also educational institutions' grounds but apparently not parks yet. No junk. I believe this is the only anti-vaping bill currently pending in AK. See: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/28/Bills/HB0360A.PDF
***
COLLECTION: KY SB 267 - MINOR SALES BAN PASSES KY HOUSE
[ KY has a Vaping=smoking bill indoor clean air act ext. proposed, as well as both a 40% and 20% tax proposal, see CASAA call: CASAA: Call to Action! Kentucky Bills to Ban E-Cigarette Usage & Impose Excessive Tax Also another minor ban bill - HB 309 which may morph into a tax: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-require-reporting-e-cig-sales-retailers.html ]
Title: Panel OKs bill to ban e-cigarette sales to minors [widely syndicated AP story]
http://www.seattlepi
.com/news/article/Panel-OKs-bill-to-ban-e-cigarette-sales-to-minors-5273452.php
No junk
Title: Bill Prohibiting E-Cigarettes for Minors Clears State Senate Committee
http://weku
.fm/post/bill-prohibiting-e-cigarettes-minors-clears-state-senate-committee
Title: Senate panel approves bill banning minors from buying or possessing e-cigarettes
http://www.kentucky
.com/2014/02/27/3111593/senate-panel-approves-bill-banning.html#storylink=cpy
Title: Ban on e-cigarette sales to minors passes Kentucky Senate committee
http://www.courier-journal
.com/article/20140227/NEWS01/302270043/Ban-e-cigarette-sales-minors-passes-Kentucky-Senate-committee
***
COLLECTION: EDITORIALS AND ARTICLES CONCERNING ALLEGED MARKETING TO MINORS
After a number of US Senators introduced a bill that calls upon the US FTC (Fed'l Trade Comm'n) to regulate PV advertising, we've seen plethora of articles and editorials in the media on this subject. In most instances, the writers presume that PVs are being "marketed to minors," express their outrage at BT for doing so, while citing alarmist junk CDC statistics on minor use of PVs.
Title: Editorial: Keep e-cigarettes away from minors
(Tampa Bay FL US local paper) http://www.tampabay
.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-keep-e-cigarettes-away-from-minors/2167710
Title: EDITORIAL: E-cigarette manufacturers shouldn't market to children
http://www.fresnobee
.com/2014/02/27/3794566/e-cigarette-manufacturers-shouldnt.html
Title: E-cigarette marketing must be geared away from youth
http://dailytrojan.com/2014/02/27/e-cigarette-marketing-must-be-geared-away-from-youth/#sthash
.jG4ksSJB.dpuf
Title: Editorial: Protect kids from e-cigarette profiteers
http://www.redding
.com/news/2014/feb/27/editorial-protect-kids-from-e-cigarette/
Title: Our View: E-cigarettes should not be marketed to kids
http://www.mercedsunstar
.com/2014/02/27/3520938/our-view-e-cigarettes-should-not.html
***
Tip: to see whether there are bad things happening where you live, try this Google search (example for Rhode Island) -
rhode site:casaa.org
(Replace rhode with a single word that describes your city, county, or state. For ex., if you live in Eau Claire, WI - you might use "Claire" to see if something is being proposed at the city level. Don't forget the : (colon), and be sure that there's nothing before or after the colon (not even spaces or tabs.)
You can also try replacing site:casaa.org with e-cigarette to find out what the media is reporting in your area. This is usually most helpful if you use the search tools to search by date. (CASAA doesn't generally issue calls or alerts until a bill is out of a state legislative committee, or is scheduled for a local city or county hearing.)
1) EuroMonitor estimates vaping industry will be worth $7 billion in 2014, at least four times as large as last year, according to Bloomberg News. (Related: vaping sales rise by 340% in 2013.)
2) Did vapers dodge the bullet in UT? HB 112 passes the house, but without internet sales ban or composition requirements.
3) AK HB 360 introduced to extend indoor clean air act to cover vaping.
4) VT H 217 passes house - would ban tobacco burning in vehicles containing minors - not yet applied to vaping.
5) Cambodia moves to crack down on vaping, after banning it completely yesterday.
6) US Dem. Sen.s' introduction of a bill to "protect children" from PV marketing has worked (at least as PR). US media everywhere presume that the PV industry is actively marketing its products to children. (While proclaiming their righteous indignation, of course.) Articles are collected that the end of this post, as well as those about yesterday's passage of SB 267 by the KY sen.
7) WA's SB 6569 (95% wholesale tax) appears to have died in cmte, but HB 2795 does the same thing.
8) Dr. Siegal reports that FDA's decision to remove the mini-cigars (bidis) from the market under the substantial equivalence doctrine accomplilshed ... absolutely nothing.
Coverage: Cambodia, Canada, US States: VT, AL, MI, UT, WA, OR, CA, AK
Also: Dr. Rodu (and Clive Bates) on the EU TPD; Gary Cox on the ENDD event at the New Museum; Glantz mentions CASAA in the same blog post with BT and tried to generally smear all opponents of the proposed LA ordinance with BT's reputation (as he has done repeatedly in the past to ordinary vaper volunteers); Gary Cox on the new landscape of vaping media, politics and economics; Gary again on last week's ENDD event at the New Museum in NYC.
***
STUDIES, BLOGS, ETC.
Title: FDA Has Accomplished Nothing to Make Cigarettes Safer; Not Even Denying Substantial Equivalence Application
(Dr. Siegal's Blog) http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/02/fda-has-accomplished-nothing-to-make.html
Remember all the fuss about those mini-cigars (bidis) that were supposedly pulled off the market by the FDA, using the doctrine of "substantial equivalence?" Turns out they weren't even on the market.
Title: Intolerable Acts By European E-Cigarette Opponents
(Dr. Rodu's blog) http://rodutobaccotruth.blogspot.com/2014/02/intolerable-acts-by-european-e.html
Analysis of the EU Tobacco Products Directive, much of this is the response by Clive Bates. Those of you who would like to get up to speed might consider starting with this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...urope-has-fallen-big-money-has-triumphed.html
Title: E-Cig Market Wars: the People just might win!
(ECF's InfoZone) E-Cig Market Wars: the People just might win! - ECF InfoZone
Gary Cox surveys the current situation - BT vs. vapers and the 'clean hands' firms. He provides some advice for practical action, and prognostications about the future.
Title: Music Tracks for Vapers Highlight Art Event in Manhattan
Music Tracks for Vapers Highlight Art Event in Manhattan - ECF InfoZone
Gary again, with a report on what happened at last week's ENDD event at the New Museum in NYC.
Title: Big Tobacco pulling out all the stops to block or water down LA ecig law
(Glantz's blog) http://www.tobacco
.ucsf.edu/big-tobacco-pulling-out-all-stops-block-or-water-down-la-ecig-law
As usual with Glantz, everyone is a shill or lacky of BT if they disagree with his goal of making sure that vaping is treated and viewed as just another form of cigarette smoking. That includes vapers in general, of course. Oh, and CASAA to boot - which he mentions here, in the same breath as the "ecig companies:" http://tobacco.ucsf
.edu/ecigtobacco-companies-push-los-angeles-city-council-protect-use-tv-and-movies-promote-ecigs
Remember that accusation he made about ten days ago - to the effect that the vaping industry was somehow behind the pro-vaping stance of "right-wing think tanks?" (You know, the one that Siegal's shaming quite likely forced Glantz to remove from his blog?) Of course, he doesn't get any money from any well-heeled interest anywhere - directly or indirectly - now, um, does he? (Perhaps that explains why he's so quick to besmirch others, whose hands actually are clean.)
***
WORLD
Title: Rise of E-Cigarettes Hurt Tax Revenues [market worth est'd $7B by end of 2014]
(Bloomberg News) http://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=7hz2bQgIqbQ
This will likely be pulled down from YouTube in the next couple of days, but what's most interesting about this junk-free report is the portion at 0:27 - "Market researchers EuroMonitor Int'l estimates that that the industry will be worth seven billion dollars by the end of the year." I can't find a suitable link to this number, perhaps it's not available to the general public. However as many of you have noted, the industry's value during 2013 is often quoted as being anywhere from $1 - $1.5B. This would mean that sales are expected to increase around five fold this year. This is consistent with the above reports about a three fold increase in the UK during 2013 (over 2012).
Title: BAT’s tobacco volumes down last year
(Blu's Tobacco amalgam site) http://www.tobaccoreporter
.com/2014/02/bats-tobacco-volumes-down-last-year/
BAT's european tobacco sales down 7.7%. No junk.
Title: BAT’s e-cigarette a bid to stay ahead
(Ind. Newspapers Zambia amalgam size) http://www.iol
.co.za/business/international/bat-s-e-cigarette-a-bid-to-stay-ahead-1.1653979#.UxC-is5obfg
Similar to above, but notes that the new BAT PV that was mentioned in this space yesterday will use "asthma inhaler technlogy." (Does that mean it will deliver unheated vapor?) No junk.
***
CAMBODIA
Title: E-Cigarettes, Shisha Go Up in Smoke in Cambodia
(US Nat'l Business) http://blogs.wsj
.com/searealtime/2014/02/27/e-cigarettes-shisha-go-up-in-smoke-in-cambodia/
Cambodian authorities are already aggressively moving to enforce the complete ban on vaping (and possession of PVs). No junk. If you get the paywall message, close your browser, and clear your cookies.
***
UK
Title: Puffing away! E-cigarette sales soar by 340 per cent... but some are taking it up as a 'healthier' alternative to smoking
(UK nat'l paper) http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/news/article-2569950/E-cigarette-sales-soar-340-cent-taking-healthier-alternative-smoking.html#ixzz2ue7EQujH
2013 sales of PVs up in the UK from £44M to £193M (US$73M to $321M), up by 340% Sales of traditioal NRTs is up 1.7% to £131M (US $218M). Some general junk regarding minor "fears and concerns," as is typical for these stories.
Title: Users warn EU e-cigarette controls could cost lives
(BBC) BBC News - Users warn EU e-cigarette controls could cost lives
Cursory piece on the TPD's passage, more of a "human interest" story about local UK vapers. Some generalized "fears & concerns" junk.
Title: Electronic cigarettes may increase the appeal of smoking among young people, Public Health Minister warns
(Glasgow Sct UK local paper) http://www.dailyrecord
.co.uk/news/health/electronic-cigarettes-increase-appeal-smoking-3190266
The title of this unilluminating piece says it all. "Concerns, fears and worries" just about sums it up. That said, it is surprising that Scotland hasn't yet banned the sale of PVs to minors. The Herald put out an almost identical piece, right down to the sequence of paragraphs: http://www.heraldscotland
.com/news/home-news/michael-matheson-e-cigs-could-lead-to-smoking-being-normalised-again.1393523297
Title: Dilemma for pharmacy as the ecigarette market grows
(UK retailer trade site) http://blog.iriworldwide
.eu/index.php/2014/02/27/dilemma-for-pharmacy-as-the-ecigarette-market-grows/
Market analyst argues that pharmacies will increasingly be offering PVs due to their public image as an effective cessation product. No junk.
***
CANADA
Title: Melodie Tilson: Time to embrace - and regulate - e-cigarettes
(Toronto ON Ca. nat'l paper) http://fullcomment.nationalpost
.com/2014/02/28/melodie-tilson-time-to-embrace-and-regulate-e-cigarettes/
As you might anticipate with a piece written by the head of Ca's Non-Smokers' Rights Assn, we hear many of the usual bogus claims about the gateway effect, the harm to bystanders, and a new argument to the effect that smokers who have already "quit" - by which the author means that they don't vape, either - shouldn't exposed to "cues to smoke." (So-o what does that mean about vapers who have to vape with the smokers? Or is that irrelevant to public health policy - because vapers still "smoke," anyway?) We also find the dual-use propaganda. On the whole, US ANTZ orgs would be pleased with this article's conflation of vaping with smoking, the underlying premise being that both should be regulated (and taxed) in exactly the same way. One aspect that wouldn't please many ANTZ is the concession that vaping is "much safer" than smoking. (Oops, the party line on that is that the "dangers are unknown," hence vaping could be even worse - just ask Mitch Zeller, the FDA's Tobacco Products head. Or as Glantz said last week in an interview with a local SF network affiliate, it's the difference beteween jumping out of a 50-story window, and jumping out of a 10-story window.) The author also correctly observes that vaping is a much more effective cessation method than the approved therapies. (Once again it seems that she didn't "get the memo" about the inefectiveness of vaping, because most vapers allegedly still smoke, and vape only when they have to.) She also forgot to say that smokers shouldn't turn to vaping as a harm reduction tool, instead they should "stick with the FDA-approved methods," as Consumer Reports helpfully advised recently. Finally the author fails to tar all vapers with the stigma of BT, an omission which would likely be viewed as a cardinal sin by orthodox American ANTZ. What this shows is that Canada's ANTZ are somewhat less virulent than their fellow travellers in other countries, but they still agree that vapers ought to be viewed by society and regulators as functionally indistinguishable from smokers. (You wouldn't want to hire a vaper. And you most certainly wouldn't want your child or sibling to marry one. Ugh.)
***
US NATIONAL
Title: No e-cigs for former smoker Obama, White House says
(Washington DC local paper) http://www.washingtontimes
.com/news/2014/feb/27/obama-hasnt-tried-electronic-cigarettes-white-hous/
WH Spokkesperson Jay Carney says Obama has never tried vaping, and also that Carney has "never seen one" at the WH. No junk.
Title: Debate: Should e-cigarettes have regulation immunity?
(Long Is. NY US local paper) http://www.newsday
.com/opinion/oped/debate-should-e-cigarettes-have-regulation-immunity-1.7228513
I was hoping for a bit more thought on both sides: the focus seems to be on the psychology behind the demand for regulation. That said, the "ANTZ" advocate isn't terribly ANTZ-like, and his points are refreshingly junk-free.
Title: Europe Sets New Rules for E-Cigs While the U.S. Drags Its Feet
(US Nat'l Newsmag.) http://nation.time
.com/2014/02/27/electronic-cigarettes-europe-united-states-regulations/#ixzz2udgrj05e
As you might expect from Time, this piece cites all the "concerns, fears and unknowns" from ANTZ, including some lengthy quotes from Mitch Zeller. It encourages states and local jurisdictions to follow the examples of NYC and Chicago (both cities now ban outdoor vaping in many locations). The piece is written based on the premise that vaping is functionally identical to smoking and that BT is marketing it to children. Finally it argues there is simply no credible information whatsoever available about the relative dangers of vaping and smoking, the effect on bystanders, or the usefulness of vaping as a cessation/HRT tool. Despite the absence of incendiary junk such as FDA '09, or the usual efforts to besmirch all vapers with the reputation of BT, this article is an excellent example of how to advance the ANTZ POV, while stylistically exuding sweet reasonableness.
---
US: VERMONT
Title: House Moves To Ban Smoking In Cars With Kids
(VT Public Radio, VT US) http://digital.vpr
.net/post/house-moves-ban-smoking-cars-kids
This appears to be H217: The Vermont Legislative Bill Tracking System which has not yet been ammended to include vaping. But if the experience in NJ with A1080 is relevant, there's a very real chance that this bill could be ammended to include vaping in the Sen. No junk.
[ VT H 632 would completely ban vaping. It's still in comte. See: CASAA: Call to Action! Vermont Bill to Ban Sale of E-Cigarettes (including to adults) ]
---
US: ALABAMA
Title: Explosive e-cigarette growth prompts vapor shop business boom across north Alabama
(AL US local paper amalgam site) http://www.al
.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/explosive_e-cigarette_growth_p.html
A relatively pro-vaping article with no obvious junk that I can find.
[ AL's SB168 would explicitly exempt vaping from its indoor smoking ban, minor sales ban already in effect. See: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ld-ban-smoking-but-not-vaping-workplaces.html ]
---
US: MICHIGAN
Title: Lighting up: Lawmakers, businesses look to set limits on e-cigarette craze
(Kalamazoo MI US CBS affiliate) http://wwmt.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wwmt_lighting-up-lawmakers-businesses-look-set-limits-ecigarette-craze-18711
.shtml#.UxDUss5obfg
Reporter talks with local vapers and vape shop owners about vaping and minor sales (owners won't to sell to minors, of course). Local GP refuses to say that vaping is any better than smoking. Refreshingly free of "fears, concerns and unknowns" about minors, although does mention HB 4997, one of several simple minor sales bans (see below). Local movie theater has banned vaping, on the grounds that it's a "distraction" because it looks like smoking (and has a "fragrance").
[ MI appears to have several simple minor sales bans in the works - SB 667/8 HB 4997 5007. None of them are out of cmte yet. ]
---
US: UTAH
Title: ‘Gutted’ e-cigarette bill passes House
(SLC UT local paper) http://www.sltrib
.com/sltrib/politics/57613922-90/cigarettes-ray-bill-gibson.html.csp
UT HB 112 passes, unanimously - but without many of the onerous provisions that vapers opposed. This just happened this afternoon, so I'm not quite sure whether it's as innocuous as the article describes - for ex. age verification is required at both ends for Internet sales, and this may be a serious obstacle. Watch for updates on this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ade-nicotine-require-license-make-sell-2.html
---
US: WASHINGTON (STATE)
Title: Bill would impose 95% tax on e-cigarettes
(Seattle WA US Area local paper) http://www.bizjournals
.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2014/02/legislature-could-place-a-95-tax-on.html?page=all
Apparently SB 6569 died in cmte, but HB 2795 does exactly the same thing - i.e. imposes WA's 95% wholesale tax on tobacco cigarettes to PVs. Brief junk-free report summarizes reactions from local businesses. Finance Cmte is looking at HB 2795 today (Friday). See CASAA call: CASAA: Call to Action! Washington Bill to Impose Excessive 95% Tax on E-Cigarettes
---
US: OREGON
Title: Glowing debate: Are e-cigarettes safer?
(Redmond OR US ind. TV station) http://www.ktvz
.com/news/glowing-debate-are-ecigarettes-safer/-/413192/24728208/-/t07poj/-/index.html
Another (mostly) fact-free "fears and concerns" story about minors, except with the CDC junk, helpfully provided by a local ANTZ. Two bills just died in OR recently - one would've prohibited sales to minors, the other would've extended OR's clean indoor air act to include vaping.
---
US: CALIFORNIA
Title: City Council doesn’t see e-cigarettes same as the real thing
(Camarillo CA ind. web site) http://www.mpacorn
.com/news/2014-02-28/Front_Page/City_Council_doesnt_see_ecigarettes_same_as_the_re.html
Junk-free article about a vape store owner's experience in a small Simi Valley town. For now, the City Council decided not to require a tobacco permit for a new vape shop, overruling town staff. This is a rather surprising result given the fact that many municipalities in both northern and southern CA have decided to treat vape B&Ms as tobacco stores, and some have enacted moratoriums on future licences (which apparently do not apply to stores that sell only traditional tobacco products).
[ CA is under threat from a wide variety of legislation, such as an internet sales ban: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-shipment-e-cigarettes-anyone-california.html ]
---
US: ALASKA
Title: Smoking Ban Would Expand, Include E-Cigarettes Under House Bill
(AP) http://www.ktuu
.com/news/news/smoking-ban-would-expand-include-ecigarettes-under-house-bill/24732830
HB 360 would ban vaping wherever smoking is banned - indoors and outdoors (20 ft. perimeter for most public places). Also educational institutions' grounds but apparently not parks yet. No junk. I believe this is the only anti-vaping bill currently pending in AK. See: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/28/Bills/HB0360A.PDF
***
COLLECTION: KY SB 267 - MINOR SALES BAN PASSES KY HOUSE
[ KY has a Vaping=smoking bill indoor clean air act ext. proposed, as well as both a 40% and 20% tax proposal, see CASAA call: CASAA: Call to Action! Kentucky Bills to Ban E-Cigarette Usage & Impose Excessive Tax Also another minor ban bill - HB 309 which may morph into a tax: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-require-reporting-e-cig-sales-retailers.html ]
Title: Panel OKs bill to ban e-cigarette sales to minors [widely syndicated AP story]
http://www.seattlepi
.com/news/article/Panel-OKs-bill-to-ban-e-cigarette-sales-to-minors-5273452.php
No junk
Title: Bill Prohibiting E-Cigarettes for Minors Clears State Senate Committee
http://weku
.fm/post/bill-prohibiting-e-cigarettes-minors-clears-state-senate-committee
Title: Senate panel approves bill banning minors from buying or possessing e-cigarettes
http://www.kentucky
.com/2014/02/27/3111593/senate-panel-approves-bill-banning.html#storylink=cpy
Title: Ban on e-cigarette sales to minors passes Kentucky Senate committee
http://www.courier-journal
.com/article/20140227/NEWS01/302270043/Ban-e-cigarette-sales-minors-passes-Kentucky-Senate-committee
***
COLLECTION: EDITORIALS AND ARTICLES CONCERNING ALLEGED MARKETING TO MINORS
After a number of US Senators introduced a bill that calls upon the US FTC (Fed'l Trade Comm'n) to regulate PV advertising, we've seen plethora of articles and editorials in the media on this subject. In most instances, the writers presume that PVs are being "marketed to minors," express their outrage at BT for doing so, while citing alarmist junk CDC statistics on minor use of PVs.
Title: Editorial: Keep e-cigarettes away from minors
(Tampa Bay FL US local paper) http://www.tampabay
.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-keep-e-cigarettes-away-from-minors/2167710
Title: EDITORIAL: E-cigarette manufacturers shouldn't market to children
http://www.fresnobee
.com/2014/02/27/3794566/e-cigarette-manufacturers-shouldnt.html
Title: E-cigarette marketing must be geared away from youth
http://dailytrojan.com/2014/02/27/e-cigarette-marketing-must-be-geared-away-from-youth/#sthash
.jG4ksSJB.dpuf
Title: Editorial: Protect kids from e-cigarette profiteers
http://www.redding
.com/news/2014/feb/27/editorial-protect-kids-from-e-cigarette/
Title: Our View: E-cigarettes should not be marketed to kids
http://www.mercedsunstar
.com/2014/02/27/3520938/our-view-e-cigarettes-should-not.html
***
Tip: to see whether there are bad things happening where you live, try this Google search (example for Rhode Island) -
rhode site:casaa.org
(Replace rhode with a single word that describes your city, county, or state. For ex., if you live in Eau Claire, WI - you might use "Claire" to see if something is being proposed at the city level. Don't forget the : (colon), and be sure that there's nothing before or after the colon (not even spaces or tabs.)
You can also try replacing site:casaa.org with e-cigarette to find out what the media is reporting in your area. This is usually most helpful if you use the search tools to search by date. (CASAA doesn't generally issue calls or alerts until a bill is out of a state legislative committee, or is scheduled for a local city or county hearing.)
Last edited:
