Tennessee and Kentucky pass new smoking laws

Aug.20.2022
Tennessee and Kentucky pass new smoking laws
Tennessee gives cities power to regulate smoking, Nashville bans smoking in entertainment venues, fines may be imposed. Kentucky raises tobacco taxes.

Earlier this year, the Tennessee state legislature passed a bill allowing subordinate cities to have their own cigarette and e-cigarette laws. In Nashville, the state capital, a measure to ban smoking (including e-cigarettes) in entertainment venues passed its first reading this month. If approved in a second reading, the ordinance will officially be transmitted to Mayor John Cooper.


A public health organization alliance has expressed support for this measure. "As a leading music and entertainment destination in the US, Nashville relies heavily on hotel workers and musicians. However, these individuals have been unable to have smoke-free workplaces," the statement said. They added that "no one should have to choose between their health and paycheck.


According to new regulations, violators may face a fine of 50 US dollars. This measure will exempt cigar bars and other establishments where smoking is part of the business.


Meanwhile, in the neighboring state of Kentucky, the House Committee approved a bill aimed at levying new consumption taxes on e-cigarette products and increasing existing taxes on tobacco products other than cigarettes, which is expected to generate $50 million in revenue. The bill took effect last month.


Last February, State Representative Jerry Miller proposed an amendment to House Bill 32, agreeing to lower tax increases equivalent to a revenue shortfall in the state's budget of $94 million. Ben Chandler, Chairman of the Kentucky Health Foundation, believes that tax increases are a step in the right direction as they discourage youth from buying these products. He said, "Severe taxes will reduce consumption.


Translation: Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for industry exchange and learning.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and the company cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry professionals to exchange and research.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the compiled article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original text for complete accuracy.


2FIRSTS aligns completely with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or foreign-related expressions and stances.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s government has created a comprehensive regulatory framework for nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, through Resolution 549/2026 published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation ends the previous prohibitive framework and establishes rules to organize the market by requiring traceability, quality standards and mandatory registration for all manufacturers and retailers operating in the country.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
The European Commission has opened an online call for evidence on revising EU tobacco products and advertising rules, marking a new phase in the TPD/TAD review. Policy options may cover novel products, flavours, packaging, digital marketing and advertising. A 2Firsts review of 855 early submissions shows rapid engagement and recurring debate over differentiated regulation, harm reduction, youth protection, illicit trade and economic impact.
Special Report
May.21
 Former DHS Spokesperson Analyzes CBP’s $175 Million Illegal Vape Seizure
Former DHS Spokesperson Analyzes CBP’s $175 Million Illegal Vape Seizure
The Washington Examiner published an opinion article by Tricia McLaughlin, former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and spokesperson at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the Trump administration is strengthening enforcement against illegal vape supply chains through the FDA, CBP, and DHS.
Regulations
May.25
KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G said on April 20 that it has launched two new “AIIM” sticks for its lil AIBLE heated tobacco device at convenience stores nationwide in South Korea. The new products are “AIIM CHANGE UP” and “AIIM COOL SHOT.” The company said the products were developed based on the existing lil SOLID dedicated sticks “Fiit Change Up” and “Fiit Cool Shot.” With the launch, the Aim lineup for lil AIBLE has expanded to 13 products.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
State Attorneys General Urge Visa, Mastercard and Others to Stop Processing Illicit E-Cigarette Transactions
State Attorneys General Urge Visa, Mastercard and Others to Stop Processing Illicit E-Cigarette Transactions
Fourteen U.S. state attorneys general sent a joint letter dated April 14, 2026 to Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, asking them to immediately help stop the sale of illicit e-cigarette products by cutting off payment access.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
British American Tobacco’s London-listed shares rose 13.99% last week, as investors focused on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent authorization of flavored Glas e-cigarette products, the dismissal of a U.S. sanctions-related criminal case against BAT, and the company’s previously announced share buyback plan and newer nicotine business performance.
BAT
May.18