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San Francisco becomes 1st major US city to ban e-cigarettes

In this photo illustration the owner of a shop that sells electronic cigarettes demonstrates how to use one on March 1, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo Illustration by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco became the first major U.S. city to adopt a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes when supervisors approved the measure Tuesday on a second and final vote.

Backers said they hope the legislation will curb underage use of e-cigarettes, but critics said the ban will make it harder for adults to purchase an alternative to regular cigarettes.

San Francisco is a city that celebrates its marijuana culture, but it appears deeply opposed to other vices.

Voters approved a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco last year, and a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks in 2016.

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E-cigarette maker Juul Labs, which is based in San Francisco, said it is opposed to youth vaping.

The company is working on a ballot initiative that would regulate but not ban e-cigarette sales.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Associated Press

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