By Thomas Parker
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Retail stores located in residential neighborhoods would be banned from selling tobacco products and electronic smoking devices under a bill introduced at the Baltimore City Council last night.
Bill 19-0449, which was introduced by Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke and sponsored by Council President Brandon M. Scott and five other members, would also prohibit these stores from selling accessories and other products related to so-called e-cigarettes.
The council said the bill was needed after several teenagers around the country died from illnesses related to electronic smoking devices. The bill has been referred to the council’s Land Use Committee.
This is not the first time the council has taken aim at e-smoking. Earlier this year, the council approved measures that banned the sale of vaping liquids in the city, broadened the definition of smoking devices, and required tobacco stores to put up signs warning consumers about the health risks.
Scott, who announced this week that he is running for mayor, also introduced legislation that would require the mayor’s office of criminal justice to present a biennial comprehensive crime reduction plan.
In other action, the council introduced resolutions that would
- make it easier to dispose of waste and keep the city clean by coordinating community clean-ups and introduce small hauler and bulk trash programs.
- create another early voting polling place in West Baltimore that would make it more convenient for people to cast their ballots. Councilman Leon F. Pinkett III said the current early polling place, located at the University of Maryland Medical Center, often experiences low voter turnout because it is not a prime location for West Baltimore residents.