February 7, 2020
After end of temporary ban, Puyallup Tribe sets new guidelines on sales of flavored vapor products
The Puyallup Tribal Council, the governing body of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, has ended its temporary ban on the sale of flavored vapor products and applied a new set of guidelines to the sale of all vapor products on the reservation. The new guidelines include the checking of photo IDs, the posting of warning posters and other measures.
The temporary ban, which began Oct. 11, 2019, was in the spirit of Washington State Board of Health policy and Gov. Jay Inslee’s Executive Order on Vapor Products. Though as a sovereign nation the Tribe is not required to follow state law, David Z. Bean, chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council, said nationwide reports of illnesses linked to flavored “vape” products prompted the action. It applied immediately to cannabis products and on Nov. 1 for nicotine products.
During the temporary ban, the Tribe considered data from staff and the Tribe’s own research, which led to the new rules. In a letter to Tribally-licensed cigarette retailers, Chairman Bean said the Tribe will monitor federal, state, local and other tribes’ safety guidelines toward flavored vapor products and may adjust its own guidelines accordingly.
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound for thousands of years. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It is governed by a seven-member Tribal Council. The Tribe serves its people and neighbors with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
Contact: Michael Thompson, Puyallup Tribe, Michael.Thompson@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov, 253-382-6200
