The Chautauqua County Legislature voted 10 to 8 in favor of a motion supporting a state legislature proposal calling for a statewide ban on the sale of flavored e-liquids for use in e-cigarettes. However, the motioned required a super majority vote, so it did not receive the minimum number of votes needed to pass.
The vote came after Jamestown resident and Yeti Vape Vice President Brian Ellis spoke to lawmakers regarding his concerns for the ban as written while also offering alternative ideas and solutions to address the concerns brought forward by public health officials at both the local and statewide levels.
At least one lawmaker based their vote on Ellis’s comments. Legislator Terry Niebel (R-District 5) said he had planned to vote in support of the motion but changed his mind after listening to Ellis.
Ellis also told WRFA following the meeting that a group of vape businesses that sell e-liquids is suing New York State due to the governors ban on flavored e-liquids and e-cigarettes, declaring the ban necessary as a public health measure. He said an injunction has been requested and a state court will have to rule on a temporary injunction request in the next two days.
Brian Ellis, Jamestown resident and vice president of Yeti Vape, spoke to the Chautauqua County Legislature on Sept. 25, 2019.
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