A group of proposed regulations on the e-smoking industry in Indiana could lead to the closure of almost all of the vape shops in the Hoosier state.
The regulations were attached to a tobacco and alcohol bill approved by Indiana lawmakers and sent to Gov. Mike Pence for his approval, IndyStar reported. The bill would also allow a controversial private development at Indiana Dunes State Park.
- RELATED: Contentious Indiana Dunes bill headed to Mike Pence for signature, March 8, 2016
If approved, vape shops in Indiana would be required to have at least one certified architectural hardware consultant on staff and a certified technician on rolling steel fire doors. Businesses wouldn’t be able to hire new employees to meet the new stipulations because the measure also requires the employees to have been on staff for at least a year.
Only one vape shop in Indiana (and in the entire country) meets those requirements.
Read more about why supporters are interested in the regulations and why opponents are frustrated by them in the full story from the IndyStar.