SARASOTA, Fla. -- City commissioners are hoping to take the federal ban on certain vaping products a step further to protect teens.
The FDA made the official announcement last Thursday. Now, all vaping businesses in the U.S. are banned from selling fruit and mint flavored vaping products.
"That's great. They're so dangerous, especially for teens." said former nurse May-Jean Frost.
The Centers for Disease Control says more than 2,000 are suffering from a vaping linked illness and 47 people have died. The youngest victim is 14.
"I'm in the health business and I see what's happening to the young people," said Frost.
Frost is glad the FDA has stepped up but she said the ban isn't strong enough because vaping businesses are still allowed to sell tobacco and menthol products. But, Sarasota commissioners may pass a regulation forcing vaping businesses to pay a registration fee to sell those products within city limits.
"I think it's a great idea," Frost said. "I'm glad the city is stepping up. It will help keep our kids safe and anybody involved with vaping."
leaders said the fee will be used to help the city enforce federal law. This is just in the talking stages right now. If commissioners move forward, the city attorney and the police department will decide how it will work.
