According to a report by Weku on August 20th, e-cigarette retailers in Kentucky, USA, claim that all e-cigarette businesses in the state are declining due to a new law that will go into effect in January next year, affecting the sales of most e-cigarette products.
The retailer, known as Tony Florence, owns six e-cigarette stores and a manufacturing plant in Kentucky.
He said that his interest in the e-cigarette business stems from providing a pathway for people to quit smoking, as his father died from lung cancer.
Florence believes that open system devices can achieve this goal.
If 20 years from now, I have to close my business because no one is smoking or using e-cigarettes anymore, then the mission will be accomplished. I am satisfied with that.
However, Florence predicts that in the coming months, the majority of e-cigarette shops in Kentucky will close.
He stated that earlier this year, the state's HB 11 bill was passed, which restricts the legal sale of most e-cigarette products, and disposable e-cigarettes usually contain higher levels of nicotine, which may encourage users to continue use.
The retailer emphasized that they have noticed a trend since the legislation was passed in April.
More and more stores are closing down. They are not renewing their leases. From a manufacturing and distribution perspective, my business has dropped by 80% since April. This is because stores either no longer purchase new products and are only clearing out their inventory, or they are closing their doors.
He said that some shops may choose to become hybrid businesses, selling a small amount of e-cigarette products approved by the US FDA while also selling other items.
This experienced e-cigarette shop owner pointed out that the penalties under the new law are quite severe, which could lead to many shops closing before January 1st.
According to reports, the Kentucky HB 11 bill will take effect on January 1, 2025, restricting the sale of e-cigarette products not approved by the FDA. In addition, the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will rigorously enforce the bill to ensure compliance with product sales.
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