Beshear signs licensing of nicotine retailers bill into law
Kentucky will soon begin licensing retailers who sell nicotine, which advocates have said will help regulate an industry and protect minors from addictive chemicals.
Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 100 into law earlier this week.
Griffin Nemeth, a student and coordinator for the iCANendthetrend Youth Advisory Board coordinator at the University of Kentucky, explained the legislation is no different from what’s currently in place for retailers who sell alcohol.
“We’re really just trying to make sure that tobacco and nicotine products are on par with what is already expected of some of these other establishments,” Nemeth explained.
In a state where about 5% of high school students smoke and almost 20% use e-cigarettes, according to The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, advocates said the new regulations are a welcome effort to curb tobacco use among minors. Data show smoking costs the state more than $2 billion every year.
Under the new law, Kentucky will license all retailers who sell tobacco and vape products, empowering the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to inspect and enforce rules for the businesses. Nemeth argued licensing is a strong tool to protect youth at the point of sale.
“We’re now starting to see an increase in use of alternative nicotine products, like oral nicotine pouches, and we’re still seeing pretty significant use of vapes and e-cigarettes,” Nemeth observed.
The new law will also fine retailers who sell nicotine products to minors, and give half the money collected to a youth prevention program.
This story is based on original reporting by Sarah Ladd for the Kentucky Lantern.
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