THE ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL TONIGHT (MON) WILL CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FROM MAYOR RICHARD BERRY TO BAN THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES TO THOSE UNDER 18. BERRY TELLS 770 KKOB OTHER CITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ACTION. HE SAYS HIS LEGISLATION IS MODELED AFTER A LAW CONTROLLING E-CIG SALES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
BERRY SAYS THE IDEA IS TO TREAT E-CIGS JUST LIKE ANY TOBACCO PRODUCT WITH NICOTINE. THE MAYOR'S OFFICE SAYS THE USE OF E-CIGARETTES DOUBLED AMONG MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NATIONWIDE FROM 2011 TO 2012.
THE COUNCIL COULD ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FROM COUNCILOR ISAAC BENTON TO RAISE THE POLICE PRESENCE DOWNTOWN. CURRENTLY OFFICERS PATROL THE AREA ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS. COUNCILOR BENTON WANTS TO INCREASE PATROLS 24/7 IN DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUE.
