Manitoba moves to regulate use of e-cigarettes

Manitoba has introduced legislation that would regulate the use and sale of electronic cigarettes.

The proposed law would prohibit selling e-cigarettes to minors and prohibit use in indoor public places such as schools, hospitals, malls, restaurants and indoor workplaces.

Healthy Living Minister Deanne Crothers says the aim is to minimize health risks to children and bystanders.

The government acknowledges that some people use the devices to help them quit smoking and would allow customers to test products at specialty shops.

The proposal also gives some leeway for exemptions to the ban in bars and casinos.

Murray Gibson of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance says the measures would protect youth from nicotine addiction and curb the growing use of e-cigarettes by non-smokers.