City of Rancho Mirage tables vote on e-cigarette ban

The Rancho Mirage City Council table a vote Thursday on a proposed ordinance that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes within the city.

"It's heartbreaking and something that is so preventable." Rancho Mirage Mayor Irish Smotrich said via statement last week , "As of December 4th 2019 over 2200 people have been sickened by vaping illnesses and 48 people have died."

If the ordinance passes a second hearing will be held in two weeks, then after that, the measure will go into effect 30 days after that.

Opponents of the ordinance argued vaping products are a better alternative than traditional tobacco products.

"The truth is vaping is saving lies. Vaping is not making ppl sick," Michael Mortensen of Indio.

The issue is personal for Mortensen.

"My wife right now I'm getting her off of cigarettes using vaping. I don't want her to die from smoking. I've seen too many friends, too many of my relatives that have died," Mortensen said.

He along with other opponents showed up flashing their signs of disapproval.

Others also in attendance said e-cigarettes are a better alternative than traditional tobacco products.

"Nobody wants to go back to smoking cigarettes and that's the only product that unfortunately they're going to leave available to the people in the city of Rancho Mirage," said Simon Custer, Desert Vapors in Palm Desert.

"I have post-traumatic stress disorder from the 23 years in the military and I use the vaping to calm my nerves," Mortensen said.

The possible ban could put local businesses on notice. They would have 30 days to sell off the remainder of their product. After 30 days…

"They will be breaking the law if they continue to sell these products," said Rancho Mirage Mayor Iris Smotrich.

The city is stricter than even proposed state and federal regulations.

The Trump Administration announced a partial ban on many flavored e-cigarette pods. On Monday, California lawmakers also introduced a bill to ban all flavored tobacco products in the state. Back in October, the FDA recommended not to use vaping products containing THC.

Following a passionate discussion from residents, the City Council elected to table the matter and will address it at a later date.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.