blu Cigs Defends Consumer Freedom, Stands Up To Irrational Statewide Smoking Ban Proposals and Tax Hikes on E-cigs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the electronic cigarette industry comes under fire, and public officials and lawmakers fight for legislation that would ban e-cigs in places where traditional smoking is disallowed, blu Cigs - which has the broadest online and in-store distribution of any U.S. e-cig vendor - is firing back against false broad-based claims, including those that allege all e-cig companies are marketing to minors. As lawmakers use this new tack in an attempt to vilify an entire industry, blu has taken proactive precautions to ensure minors cannot purchase its e-cigarettes - using the same process that alcohol and tobacco companies must mandatorily use to verify age for all online and phone purchases, each and every time. Additionally, blu has consciously chosen flavors that align with adult lifestyles – from "Peach Schnapps" and "Pina Colada," to standard flavors such as "Classic Tobacco" and "Java Jolt." blu does not offer flavors with traditional adolescent appeal like fruit punch, bubble gum, or chocolate. Jason Healy, President of blu Cigs comments, "We maintain the absolute highest standards when it comes to the retailers we choose, so to make these false accusations and call them out as irresponsible when it comes to e-cigarette sales is negligent. Our retail partners operate to the highest standard – and aggressively I.D. all customers for each and every sale."

blu Cigs has been vocal about its support of any legislation that prevents minors from purchasing smokeless tobacco products, but according to Healy, tax increases on e-cigs are completely counter-intuitive and only serve to inhibit adult consumers' freedom of choice. "Federal and state governments claim that high taxes on e-cigs are designed to price out consumers, but these increases are purely based on fiscal reasons, and completely contrary to consumer health advocacy," comments Healy. A 2010 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University's School of Public Health actually concluded that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes, and have the potential to become a smoking cessation device. Healy continues, "If consumer health is their primary concern, as it should be, then premature bans and tax hikes are not in the public's best interest."

blu Cigs offers a convenient alternative to smoking for adults, with a range of nicotine levels including nicotine-free cartridges for those who enjoy the act of smoking, but prefer to reduce or eliminate their nicotine intake. blu believes in working together to prohibit children's access to e-cigs, while still allowing adults to make their own informed choices. For more information on blu Cigs, go to www.blucigs.com

About blu Cigs            
blu Cigs is the innovator of electronic cigarettes in the U.S., offering an alternative to smoking. blu's high-tech "e-cigs" look and feel just like traditional cigarettes – without the smoke, smell, tar and ash. blu Cigs are battery-operated – creating a smoke-free vapor "puff" that evaporates within seconds. blu Cigs are available in convenient disposables or rechargeable packs for continuous daily use, with or without nicotine and in a variety of flavors. blu Cigs have been featured in the presenter gift bags at the Grammy Awards and other celebrity events, and are used by a number of A-list actors, musicians, and athletes. Based in Charlotte, NC – at the heart of tobacco road – blu Cigs is the only e-cigarette provider whose ingestible contents are 100% made in the USA. For more, visit www.blucigs.com.

SOURCE blu Cigs