Linn County anti-nicotine measures moves forward

Linn County supervisors moved a step closer this morning to require a tobacco-sales license to sell products containing nicotine.

The proposal passed its second reading 4-1 and moves to a final reading at Wednesday's formal session. Supervisor Brent Oleson, R-Marion, was the sole dissenting vote.

In addition to lozenges containing nicotine, the new ordinance would require the annual license - $100 in Cedar Rapids - for the sale of "ecigarettes," electric devices that simulate cigarettes and deliver nicotine. The e-smokes drew the only public comment during the supervisors' brief debate.

"The premise about ecigarettes is that they are the lesser of evils," said Tim Boyle, board chairman of the Linn County American Cancer Society hired by Linn County Public Health for its anti-tobacco effort. "While still legal to use (they) still warrant some level of regulation."

"They're a very effective way of stopping smoking," countered Harold Barnes of Marion, whose son Jake Barnes sells ecigarettes at a Lindale Mall kiosk.

The ecigarettes aren't certified as smoking cessation tools by the Food and Drug Administration. The county's new rule wouldn't affect products already regulated by the FDA.