Vaping laws leaves customers looking for other options

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Strict state regulations for e-liquid manufacturers that took effect in July may be causing customers to look elsewhere for their product.

The Lafayette Journal and Courier (http://on.jconline.com/2jkMW7Q ) reports that the Indiana law requires e-liquids sold by state vendors to be produced at facilities that meet more stern security guidelines. So far, only one company, Lafayette-based Mulhaupt's Inc., meets those Indiana mandates.

Vaping is a substitute to smoking in which users inhale vapor that's generated from a battery-powered device. The vapor contains nicotine and flavoring, produced by e-liquid often known as "juice."

While the law hasn't affected vape stores as anticipated, vendors say they are noticing other concerning trends in the vaping industry, including customers going to Illinois for e-liquid or making their own.

Charity Hoggard, manager of Nice Guy Vapes in Henderson, Kentucky, just a few miles from Evansville, said business from Indiana customers has picked up dramatically since August, around 25 or 30 percent.

"It's helping us out a lot, but sucks for Indiana," Hoggard said.

State Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, is expected to file a bill soon that would loosen the security requirements for manufacturers and break Mulhaupt's monopoly.

"We would absolutely like to see the part about the security system changed," said Sherrie Harvey, owner of Hoosier Vapor in Avon. "It's OK with me if they still require a permit, but a closed system where we only have few companies to buy from and are so limited, it did put a big hardship on us."

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com