COEUR d'ALENE - The city of Coeur d'Alene is moving forward with its proposal to ban minors from the possession of electronic cigarettes.

The city's General Services Committee, a sub committee of the City Council, recommended the council adopt the ordinance that would mirror the state's minor in possession of tobacco law, and apply to electronic cigarettes as well.

"I think any way we can keep the smoking a habit away from minors is a great thing," said Ron Edinger, councilman, GSC member and smoker for 59 years. "It's a filthy habit."

E-cigarettes were invented in 2003 and allow people to heat nicotine, herbs or other substances and ingest the active ingredients without actually burning the substance. Advocates call it an important, healthier step to quitting smoking. They are flavored, with four ingredients including nicotine - compared to 4,000 in real smokes.

Anti-smoking advocates approached the city about creating the rule amid concerns that the new devices were showing up in local schools.

"Technology," city attorney Mike Gridley said Monday, "has brought us a new issue."

The new ordinance would prevent stores from selling to minors too. Minors caught with the devices would be subject to about a $100 fine. Selling to minors would be a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

It will go before the City Council at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16 in the Community Room of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.