US: Lorillard Praises New Kentucky Law Barring Electronic Cigarette Sales to Minors

Source from:  PRNewswire 04/15/2014

Murray S. Kessler, Chairman, President and CEO of Lorillard, Inc. (NYSE: LO), the parent company of blu eCigs, today praised legislation signed into law by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, which will bar minors from buying electronic cigarettes, as an example of responsible regulation.

"Legislation that prevents the sale or distribution of electronic cigarettes to minors is the right thing to do," said Mr. Kessler, who attended the bill signing today in Frankfort with Gov. Beshear, leading members of the Kentucky state legislature, and others.  "Lorillard is pleased that Kentucky has joined the growing number of states that are adopting responsible legislation to prohibit the sale or distribution of electronic cigarettes to minors."

Mr. Kessler singled out for their leadership Sen. Paul Hornback, the bill sponsor, and Rep. Joni L. Jenkins, a key supporter.

"The Kentucky law demonstrates that it is possible to find common ground and sell responsibly to adults," Mr. Kessler said. "It would be a mistake to let old divisions affect the development of electronic cigarettes, a new product with the potential to play a critical role in the national harm reduction discussion.  Lorillard has actively supported age of purchase legislation in the states and encourages states that have not passed similar legislation to do so."

Responsible e-cigarette manufacturers, including blu eCigs, the largest manufacturer in the United States, already prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors through strict age-verification and third party certification procedures on websites. However, Lorillard and blu eCigs believe that it is also necessary to pass state laws prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors because many state do not prohibit selling, furnishing and distributing electronic cigarettes to minors. Enditem