Vape Shops Lobby to Keep Doors Open Amid Virus Shutdowns (1)

Pro-vaping groups are mounting an uphill campaign to persuade federal and state authorities to let vape shops remain open even as other retailers close their doors during the growing outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Advocates say vape shops are essential businesses that help keep Americans from buying traditional cigarettes. If successful, an industry that was just granted more time to sell some popular vaping flavors would score a major win.

“We appreciate entirely the need to flatten the curve, but doing that shouldn’t come at the expense of adult ex-smokers coming back to deadly combustible cigarettes,” said Greg Conley, ...