March 29, 2013 - Today, the Vermont Senate gave preliminary approval to S.18, a bill related to a ban on flavored tobacco products and e-vapers, according to reports.

"As legislators, we put the health of Vermont's youth first." Said Sen. Ginny Lyons, chairwoman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and lead sponsor of the bill. "The youth smoking and vaping epidemic is on the rise. We must do everything we can to protect the next generation from nicotine addiction."

The bill would ban the retail sale of flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes and e-vape and direct the attorney general's office to report on the extent to which Vermont can legally restrict advertising and regulate labeling of e-cigarettes and other e-cigarettes - related products.

"Flavored tobacco is more attractive to young people, and as a high school teacher, I have seen the devastating effects flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes can have on our youth." Said Senator Robert Gulick, a member of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the bill's rapporteur. "Youth tobacco addiction is an urgent public health issue, and I am pleased to see the Senate making progress through S.18."

Data from the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont chapters of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society show that nearly all youth e-cigarette users have reported using flavored products. More than 8 in 10 teens who have ever used tobacco products started with flavored products, and nearly 65 percent of young menthol smokers said they would quit if menthol cigarettes were banned.

If S.18 becomes law, Vermont would join Massachusetts and California in banning the retail sale of all flavored tobacco products.

The bill is due for final consideration in the Senate tomorrow. If approved, it will go to the lower house for further consideration.