The Latest: Judge nixes temporary halt to vaping product ban

The Latest on a federal judge’s ruling on a ban of vaping products in Massachusetts (all times local):

8:10 p.m.

A federal judge has upheld Massachusetts’ four-month ban on the sale of vaping products — at least for now.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani on Friday denied the vaping industry’s request for a temporary reprieve from the ban while their legal challenge plays out in Boston federal court.

Industry group Vapor Technology Association and local vape store owners have argued the ban will destroy Massachusetts’ $331 million nicotine vapor products industry and cause “irreparable harm” to their business.

Talwani said the group and store owners did not show they would likely succeed on the merits of the case. The next court hearing is Oct. 15.

Democratic Gov. Charlie Baker issued the ban Sept. 24 after state officials reported 10 probable or confirmed cases of lung illness caused by e-cigarette products.

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3:50 p.m.

A federal judge is expected to uphold Massachusetts’ four-month ban on the sale of vaping products for now.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani on Friday said she is “leaning toward” denying the vaping industry’s request for a temporary, two-week reprieve from the ban while their legal challenge plays out in Boston federal court.

The Vapor Technology Association, an industry group, and local vape store owners argue the ban will destroy Massachusetts’ $331 million nicotine vapor products industry and cause “irreparable harm” to their business.

Talwani is expected to issue a written decision on the industry’s request for temporary relief later Friday. The next court hearing is Oct. 15.

Democratic Gov. Charlie Baker issued the ban Sept. 24 after state officials reported 10 probable or confirmed cases of lung illness caused by e-cigarette products.

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1:20 p.m.

A federal judge is weighing whether to order a temporary halt to Massachusetts’ four-month ban on the sale of vaping products.

District Judge Indira Talwani heard arguments in Boston federal court Friday in two lawsuits challenging Gov. Charlie Baker’s Sept. 24 ban.

Industry trade group the Vapor Technology Association and local vape shop owners argue the ban will destroy Massachusetts’ $331 million nicotine vapor products industry and cause “irreparable harm” to law-abiding retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.

They want the ban temporarily lifted until their cases are decided. Talwani said she’d potentially issue a decision later Friday. She also set the next court hearing for Oct. 15.

Gov. Baker issued the ban after state officials reported 10 probable or confirmed cases of lung illness caused by e-cigarette products.

source: abcnews.go.com