St. Louis County, MO  (KTRS)  Vaping shops are calling for e-cigarettes to be excluded from the so-called “Tobacco 21” ordinance in St. Louis County.

The St. Louis County Council approved the measure which calls for raising the age from 18 to 21 to buy tobacco products. Owners and employees of area vaping shops object to e-cigarettes being included in the bill, claiming it has helped many smokers kick the habit.

The bill’s sponsor, Councilman Sam Page, says he sees no reason to make an exception for vaping products. Page contends the FDA has classified that vaping products are tobacco products.

A final vote on the measure is expected next week.