CIGAR/VAPE STORE TO REPLACE TASTY IMAGE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Another e-cigarette/vaping shop is set to open in Bethesda, even as Montgomery County councilmembers are exploring restrictions on the popular and growing alternative to traditional cigarettes. J. Cigar will offer traditional tobacco cigars and pipes, as well as supplies for vaping, e-cigarettes and hookah.

A vaping phenomenon is exploding in Montgomery County, with several vapor lounges opening recently, such as Bethesda Vapor Company and Rockville's Vape Ink. What impacts council action would have on these new businesses is currently unknown, until specific legislation is introduced.

The Montgomery County Council Health and Human Services Committee held a discussion on e-cigarettes this past Thursday, at which Councilmember George Leventhal stated he has already concluded it is "appropriate for us to legislate in this area." Councilmember Nancy Navarro said "most young people perceive e-cigarettes as the healthy alternative" to cigarettes. The council's president, Craig Rice, expressed concerns about the aggressive marketing of the products. Sale of e-cigarettes to minors is already restricted by the State of Maryland, so it is unclear just what action beyond that the council will take. Councilmember Nancy Floreen has prepared legislation to ban the use of e-cigarettes wherever traditional cigarette use is banned in the county. Amanda Mihill, legislative attorney for the council, said the council staff is exploring ways to tax the distribution of e-cigarettes at the county level.

County officials may find themselves going in the opposite direction of the coveted millennial demographic in the county, who make up the largest percentage (40%) of e-cigarette users. Should the county jump out ahead of the region in vaping restrictions, it would seem to run against the stated goal of attracting more millennials to live and work here.