Estonia’s incoming government is considering increasing the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco, according to a report by Postimees. While the exact amount of the proposed increase has not been disclosed by the politicians, it has been agreed among coalition partners that there will be a slow yearly growth in excise duties. The Finance Minister-designate of the Reform Party, Mart Vorklaev, has stated that the taxation of health-related risk-taking behavior will continue, but efforts will be made to avoid an increase in cross-border trade. The proposed tax changes are expected to be introduced in the Riigikogu during the spring session, with a six-month notice period before they take effect.
Southaven Board to Consider Vape Shop Location Restrictions
Southaven, Mississippi, is a city that has experienced a large influx of smoke shops and vape stores in recent years. As a result, the City Planning and Development Director, Whitney Choat-Cook, brought up a proposal for an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance during a board meeting. The amendment proposes to place more restrictions on where future vape shops and smoke shops may be located in the city.
The proposed amendment would allow smoke shops and vape stores only in zones C-3 and C-4, but only under a conditional use permit. Furthermore, the conditional use permit would state that there can only be one store inside a half-mile radius. The goal of the amendment is to prevent these stores from popping up in every retail space available.
The proposal has not yet been officially approved by the Southaven Board of Aldermen, but during Tuesday night’s board meeting, it seemed that all of the aldermen present were in favor of the idea.
Vape Industry Commits to Self-Regulation in Malaysia
Vape industry leaders in Malaysia have recently committed to “self-regulating” their products following a stakeholder meeting with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni. This move is in response to concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks.
Adzwan Ab Manas, chairman and director of Vapempire Distribution Sdn Bhd, shared an update on the meeting on Facebook. However, the extent to which the industry will self-regulate remains unclear, especially since vape shops in Malaysia are selling some products with up to 5% nicotine content without any warning labels or information regarding the nicotine content on the packaging.
Juul to Pay $67.6 Million Settlement to Illinois for Misleading Advertising to Minors
Juul Labs, the e-cigarette manufacturer, has agreed to pay $67.6 million to the state of Illinois as part of a multistate settlement. The settlement, which also includes New York, California, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Colorado, follows years of legal action against the company. The allegations were that the company targeted minors with its advertising and misled consumers about the product’s health risks.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and other attorneys general announced the settlement on Wednesday. Raoul has been “aggressively litigating” against Juul since 2019, when he took office. The matter became personal for him when his teenage children brought e-cigarettes home.
Mint Flavors in E-Cigarettes: A Potential Danger to Lung Health
E-cigarettes or vapes are often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. However, research has shown that vaping is not without risks, especially when it comes to flavored e-cigarette liquids. According to a study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, adding mint flavor to e-cigarette liquids can make them more toxic and damaging to the lungs. This article discusses the findings of the study, the dangers of vaping, and the need for further research and regulation.
Vaping Risks for Young People: Health Hazards and Proposed Solutions
Vaping has been gaining immense popularity, particularly among teenagers, who seem to believe that they are safer than traditional cigarettes. However, recent research conducted by professor Emily Banks and her colleagues from the Australian National University indicates that e-cigarettes pose a significant risk to young people’s health. The report highlights the dangers of addiction, poisoning in small children, seizures and loss of consciousness, headache, cough, and throat irritation, and burns caused by exploding batteries. In this article, we’ll examine the main findings of the study, explore the proposed solutions, and discuss why they are necessary to protect young people’s health.
Australian Political Party Announces Plan to Legalise Vapes: The Impact on Harm Reduction
Australia has some of the most stringent vaping regulations in the world, with vapers only able to purchase vaping products from pharmacies via prescription. This move has been counterproductive, as tobacco harm reduction experts have warned. Teen vaping rates continue to rise, while smoking cessation rates have stalled. Many vapers have resorted to purchasing their preferred products overseas or on the black market.
The Current State of Vaping in Australia
As of October 2021, vapers in Australia are only able to purchase vaping products from pharmacies via prescription. This move has made vaping products more difficult to access and has led to many vapers resorting to purchasing their preferred products overseas or on the black market. The move has also led to an increase in teen vaping rates, while smoking cessation rates have stalled.