Nicotine retailers, including vape shops, are expected to be a topic in Pierre this legislative session.
At least one piece of legislation would create a licensing system for nicotine retailers.
You don’t have to go far in Sioux Falls to find a vape shop or nicotine retailer.
“Over the last few years or a handful of years we’ve had this kind of boom on new retail shops,” Rep. Brian Mulder of District 10.
Mulder is planning on introducing a bill in Pierre this legislative session that would establish a Nicotine Retailer Licensing Program.
“Like we do for alcohol stores is the Board of Revenue is able to go in and enforce their license essentially to see what products they’re selling, the ages they’re selling to, to ensure public safety, community health, and with this nicotine retail licensing bill we’ll be able to do the same sort of compliance checks as we would with liquor or alcohol stores,” Mulder said.
Mulder has been working with stakeholders, including Emily’s Hope Founder Angela Kennecke.
“We’re not saying adults can’t choose to vape if they want to do so, but we just think it should be regulated just like any other substance, tobacco, alcohol, anything else, marijuana,” Emily’s Hope Founder Kennecke said.