Brunswick County commissioners passed legislation this week, banning the use of electronic cigarettes in county-owned buildings.
Amanda Hutcheson, Brunswick County’s spokesperson, says the county has prohibited smoking in county buildings since 1993.
“It’s been our practice to include electronic cigarettes as part of that ordinance and Monday night’s policy was updated to reflect that,” Hutcheson said.
Electronic, or e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that vaporize flavorful liquids that contain nicotine, and work like a cigarette, without the smoke. Many smokers use them to kick the habit. Jason Joyner, the North Carolina Vaping Council’s lobbyist says Brunswick is not the first place in the state to place restrictions on their use.
“Durham County has a similar ordinance and there are a few others,” Joyner said. “Orange County chose to stall a month ago on theirs. This is something we’re seeing and it’s in their purview, while we don’t think it’s the best option.”
Joyner says he is concerned that stricter regulations may be in the making that could possibly cripple the industry. This month, the FDA ruled that e-cigarettes will be regulated under the same rules as tobacco products.
