As part of an effort to curb the rising use of e-cigarettes among teens, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that will impose new distance requirements and signage on vape and tobacco retailers.

Shops that primarily sell tobacco, vapes and similar products are no longer allowed to open within 500 feet of schools, religious institutions, public libraries, child day care facilities, public parks or another vape shop. Those same stores also will be required to clearly display that anyone younger than 18 is prohibited from entering the premises.

In Louisiana, selling vape products requires obtaining state-issued permits and licenses, with oversight from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. However, up until Wednesday, Baton Rouge did n

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