SFATA-California Denounces Signing Of Bill Redefining Vapor Products As Tobacco
Says Legislation is Counterproductive to Public Health and Creates A Host of Negative Consequences for California Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The California chapters of the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), the largest trade group representing the vapor industry, today issued the following statement on Governor Brown's signature of SBX2-5, a measure that defines vapor products as "tobacco" and make related changes to existing law:
"California took a step backwards today by reclassifying vapor products as tobacco. Stigmatizing vapor products, which contain no tobacco and treating them the same as combustible tobacco while actively seeking to economically penalize smokers attempting to switch is counterproductive to public health. We remain strongly opposed to SBX2-5 and will continue to work with the legislature, and voters, to educate them on what science says should be embraced as a far less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes.
"Our industry, which was built by former smokers that morphed into small- and mid-sized businesses, has always supported sensible legislation, such as prohibitions on selling to minors, reasonable licensing requirements and child-resistant packaging. However, this legislation will negatively impact California small business, of which there are approximately 1,400 vaping retail locations, plus hundreds of manufacturers, distributors and related businesses that contribute to the state's economy, generating taxes and thousands of jobs."
About SFATA
Founded in 2012, the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) is the largest trade association in the vapor products industry with more than 800 members and 19 chapters located across the country, representing online retailers, brick and mortar vendors, distributors, manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. For more information, visit SFATA.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter @SFATA. Download a copy of SFATA's "Top 10 Vapor Facts: Demystifying Misconceptions about the Vapor Industry" by visiting http://bit.ly/toptenvaporfacts.
Media Contacts:
George Medici/ Matt Sheldon
PondelWilkinson
[email protected] / [email protected]
310.279.5980
SOURCE SFATA
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