City Council Minutes 2014 07 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2014 Page 15 of 21 Todd Dempster, 8816 W. 70th Way, Arvada, CO an owner of Vapor Lounge in Arvada, CO, stated the e- cigarettes trend is being reviewed by Lakewood, Louisville and Golden. He felt the word smoking should not be used when describing e- cigarettes. E- cigarettes have batteries which power the metal coil and heat the flavored liquid. Studies have not shown any ill effects or any danger of second hand smoke from using e- cigarettes. He stated there are fears and concerns over vapor, but the real danger is in tobacco. He suggested the City Council look at more studies and facts and amend the smoking terminology relating to e- cigarettes. Ryan Hines, Owner of Steam Spot, 565 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO stated he had two issues with the ordinance 1) E- cigarettes are lumped in with marijuana and 2) There is not any exemption for sampling in commercial (e- cigarette) businesses. He urged Council to review the language and recognize smoking marijuana in public and smoking an e- cigarette in public are two different things and not force vapers to stand outside with the smokers. Jeremiah Twiefmeyer, 149 Cherrywood Lane, Louisville, CO stated he is the manager of Steam Spot and noted they have public safety in mind. He felt if it is a problem with using e- cigarettes in a City building, the ordinance should prohibit it, but it should not decide whether any other business should prohibit the use in their establishments. He stressed the importance of a business exemption for sampling vapor products. Jay McDonald, 775 S. Xavier Street, Denver, CO explained he is an e- cigarette consumer and advocate. Having smoked for 15 years, he was finally able to stop smoking cigarettes the day he started using e- cigarettes. He requested a prevention plan put into place, which models the State law and an exemption for indoor sampling at vapor shops. He asked Council to postpone any further banning until more information can be reviewed. Health Harmon, Director of Health Programs for Boulder County, 3450 N. Broadway, Boulder, CO, applauded the City Council for their leadership in introducing this legislation. He stated there are only three other communities in Colorado who have addressed this problem. He explained there are many unknowns about e- cigarettes, but there is a lot that is known. E- cigarettes do contain harmful chemicals, which can be carcinogenic and there is also concern for second hand smoke and second hand vapor. He stated the number of youth using e- cigarettes has doubled in one year. Nicotine is highly addictive and the use of e- cigarettes has not been approved by the FDA to help people quit smoking. The Health Department supports harm reduction and noted the City's ordinance is aimed at protecting the public. If the ordinance passes, Boulder County would be happy to assist the City. Lance Lewis, 1744 Garfield Avenue, Louisville, CO stated the youth community is very aware of e- cigarettes, but those who do not smoke, do not use e- cigarettes and adults who do not smoke, do not use e- cigarettes. He addressed the health effects and noted smokers must be 25' away from a non - smoker in order for the chemicals to be inhaled