America's second
largest city is set to follow a growing list of cities, including New York,
Boston and Chicago, to ban the use of electronic cigarettes from restaurants,
bars, nightclubs and other public places.
On Tuesday the
L.A. City Council voted 14-0 for those in favour of restricting the use of e-cigarettes
in public places. All that’s left now is for Mayor Eric Garcetti to sign the measure
into law (which it seems certain he will), and the ban will come into effect 30
days later. With
the exception of vaping lounges, where e-cig smokers go to “smoke” and try
various flavours, the ban prohibits the use of e-cigarettes from the same
places as tobacco products.
The
ban is to be imposed amid concerns over the long-term health effects of the
devices, which due to their newness and a lack of scientific research are currently
unknown. The popular devices consist of battery-powered
cartridges containing liquid nicotine, which creates inhalable vapour when heat
is applied. Critics have voiced concerns not only in regard to users of the devices, but also over the potential harm of inhaling second-hand vapour from these electronic cigarettes.
NJOY, a well
established maker of electronic cigarettes, claimed that the councils’ decision
was made in the absence of credible science. In a statement, the
e-cig maker also said that "NJOY
remains concerned that banning e-cigarette use in public places could deter
current tobacco smokers from using the products and thus disserve public
health."
However, in addition to concerns surrounding the potential
harm the devices can cause, public health experts fear that these devices will
act as a gateway to smoking. City Council member Mitch O'Farrell, who co-sponsored
the proposal, said "We also have a responsibility to protect our youth and
everyone else in public places from the carcinogens found in the ultra-fine particles
in e-cigarette aerosol."
The US isn't the
only place with concerns over e-cigarettes. Canadean Consumer recently conducted a survey to determine British consumer perceptions of the device and
with interesting results.
The survey found
that:
- Whilst e-cigarettes are labelled as “safer” alternative to traditional tobacco products, and as an easy way to quit smoking, Brits are unconvinced about these safety claims. Only 35% believe e-cigarettes are safer than the normal ones, with the rest either unsure (44%) or disagree (21%). While those who smoke e-cigarettes perceive them to be safer (90%), the majority of smokers of normal cigarettes, don’t (54%).
- Many still think that e-cigarettes contain toxins and harmful ingredients (56%) and believe these can lead to nicotine addiction (42%).
- Currently, 4% of the population and 14% of all UK smokers use an e-cigarette. The survey indicate that the market is likely to grow as 10% of smokers are are considering using one in the near future as a means to give up smoking.
- The survey also detects a general concern about the way these products are marketed and distributed.
- A total of 40% of all adults believe that e-cigarettes glamorise smoking, while 44% believe they could encourage younger people to take up smoking. Some believe that the flavours (38%) and the marketing (35%) of e-cigarettes deliberately appeal to younger people, and 28% want e-cigarettes banned from supermarkets and newsagents.
The key to ensuring that your business has all the tools necessary to thrive in this growing market is premium market intelligence. The Industry Report Store has a brand new report which comprehensively covers the global e-cig market, from analysis of the present and predictions for the future. It covers the market trends, drivers and challenges as well as SWOT analysis of major companies such as NJOY.
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Sources: Guardian Liberty Voice, Reuters
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