Montgomery County officials plan to investigate and sue industry giant Juul as well as other manufacturers and distributors of electronic cigarettes, aka vapes.

Juul is the target of several civil lawsuits around the country that call out the company for marketing vapes to teens as well as advertising false or misleading health claims.

From The Bethesda Beat:

On Tuesday, the County Council is scheduled to approve the appointment of a special counsel to investigate and prosecute claims against the manufacturers and distributors of electronic cigarettes, according to the meeting agenda.

The agenda item includes a memo from County Attorney Marc Hansen, who requests that the county confirm the appointment of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, LLP — a national law firm with offices in nine cities, including Washington, D.C.

The same firm is representing the county in ongoing opioid litigation pending in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

In recent weeks Council Members Gabe Albornoz, and Craig Rice introduced two zoning text amendments (ZTA) related to vaping. One would prohibit vape shops that sell e-cigarettes and similar products from opening within a half-mile of a public or private middle or high school. It would also require vape shops currently operating in those locations to close within 24 months. The other ZTA would prohibit manufacturers of e-cigarettes from distributing them to retail stores within a half-mile of a middle or high school.

For more information:

Updated: Montgomery County To Sue Vaping Companies (The Bethesda Beat)

Montgomery Council Aims to Curb Youth Vaping Epidemic (Conduit Street)