Electronic Cigarette Regulations in King County, Washington

Audience: This presentation will be highly relevant to anyone involved in creating tobacco policies, particularly those working with youth. Local Health Departments, advocacy organizations, and policymakers all can learn from the experience of creating electronic cigarette regulations in King County.

Key Points: On 12/16/10, the King County Board of Health, with the assistance of Public Health Seattle-King County, passed the most comprehensive ordinance in the nation making it illegal to: sell e-cigarettes to minors; offer free or discounted e-cigarettes; or use e-cigarettes in any area where smoking is prohibited by law. 

Educational Experience: This presentation will include a PowerPoint presentation followed by time for discussion with the audience.  The presentation will outline the process of creating regulations and highlight the importance of collaboration between health departments and local regulatory authorities.  Handouts will also be provided as examples of materials that would be useful such as regulation model language and educational material.

Benefits: As electronic cigarettes and other new and emerging products are introduced to the market, tobacco control advocates can play an important role in policymaking as a tool to protect the public’s health.  It is important to learn from the experience of others throughout the policymaking process.