‘It’s Totally A Disaster’: Ban On Vaping Products Frustrates Massachusetts Businesses

Fast Eddie’s Smoke and Vape Shop manager Cathy McCarthy and owner Richard Lamoretti. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Pete Patel was excited about his new business venture as the owner of Liquid Smoke & Vape Shop in Allston. But just a few months in, that excitement has now turned to disappointment.

“It’s totally a disaster for us. For the whole industry,” Patel said. “Now we have to close down.”

On Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a four-month ban on sales of all vaping products — including tobacco and marijuana. The move has frustrated some local business owners, like Patel, who say the ban will ruin their business.

Patel opened his shop just six months ago. The store is lined with vaping products. Patel says they account for 60% to 70% of his total sales. Without those sales, he says his business just can’t survive.

“Everything now is zero value, you know. Everything is zero value for four months and we gonna lose the money, everything,” Patel said shortly after hearing about Baker’s announcement.

Read the rest of the story at WBUR’s website.