The River Forest Village Board jumped to the head of the line Sept. 23, voting 6-0 to prohibit the sale of flavored electronic cigarette products.
Village President Cathy Adduci acknowledged that the Illinois Legislature is considering taking similar action but added, “I don’t think we can wait.”
“I believe all my colleagues here are strongly against it,” Adduci said, referring to marketing of flavored electronic cigarette products toward young people. She also noted that several other municipalities are considering taking such action rather than wait for state officials to act.
A bill introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives would create the Flavored Tobacco Ban Act, prohibiting the sale of flavored e-cigarette and tobacco products. Politicians statewide, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, support such a ban.
Under the proposed state action, stores that violate the ban would risk losing their retailer’s license. Under the River Forest ordinance approved Sept. 23, stores that violate the ban would be fined $750 per violation.
“It’s crazy,” said Trustee Bob O’Connell, who supports the ban. He noted that retail giant Walmart announced Sept. 20 its stores would stop carrying e-cigarettes altogether.
Trustee Kathleen Brennan noted the ban will affect “probably two or three businesses” in the village. The ban will take effect in 30 days to allow businesses to clear inventory.
“I want to thank you for being a leader,” Adduci told her colleagues following the vote, noting that River Forest “is among the first” to approve such a ban.
The debate over the use of flavored vape products comes as 380 people nationwide have been hospitalized for respiratory issues and seven have died after using e-cigarette devices.
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a ban on the sale of flavored vape products nationwide, and First Lady Melania Trump has raised concerns about vaping’s potential to hook teenagers to nicotine. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, calling them a “gateway” to nicotine addiction.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has criticized the marketing practices of Juul Labs – the country’s largest e-cigarette producer – and threatened to fine them and seize their products. Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim filed a lawsuit against Juul, alleging the company is creating a public health crisis by deceptively marketing their products to teenagers.
Michigan became the first state in the nation to ban the sale of flavored vape products on Sept. 4.
Trustees impose cannabis tax
At their Sept. 23 meeting, the village board took another step in its methodical process toward a decision on allowing legalized sales of recreational cannabis in River Forest, voting 6-0 to approve a 3% tax on cannabis sales if they ultimately decide to approve such sales.
The vote to approve the tax on cannabis sales was termed “more of an administrative action” by Adduci and should not be construed to be an indication of how the village board will eventually decide.
She explained that the village board was facing an Oct. 1 deadline from the Illinois Department of Revenue to adopt such a tax, referring to the “runway” the department requires to implement such a tax. Failure to take such action now would delay collection of such a tax if the village board were to approve such sales, a decision not expected until at least November.
“This does not say we are going to approve the sale of cannabis,” she added. “Tonight’s vote was an adjunct step. It’s a process we have to follow.”
Adduci also said the zoning board of appeals meeting at which the matter will be discussed has been rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 17. That meeting, originally scheduled for Oct. 10, will include a public hearing at which residents will have the opportunity to express their opinions.
A recommendation from the zoning board is expected in November with village board discussion and action to follow.
Issues to be discussed at the Oct. 17 zoning board meeting will include allowing cannabis dispensaries and craft growers operating as a special use in the C1, C2, C3 and ORIC Zoning Districts; prohibiting cannabis cultivation centers, processing organizations and transporting organizations operating in the C1, C2, C3 and ORIC Zoning Districts; allowing medical cannabis dispensaries as a special use in the C1, C2, C3, and ORIC Zoning Districts; allowing medical cannabis cultivation centers as a special use in the C1, C2, C3, and ORIC Zoning Districts; and prohibiting consumption of cannabis on the premises of any cannabis business establishment.