BILLINGS — On Friday, the FDA announced an immediate ban on the popular e-cigarette, Juul.

In response, stores around Billings are removing Juul from their shelves, but for many vape shops it’s still business as usual.

“It doesn’t really affect us because we don’t sell Juul. They’re sold by big tobacco, and we don’t deal in big tobacco here,” said Nathan Ochsner, general manager of Vintage Vapor on Broadwater Avenue. .

Juul has been targeted because it is seen as a major contributor to the growing problem of children under 18 becoming addicted to vaping, as they heavily market sugary and flavored juices. Juul is arguably the biggest name in the industry and the company’s closure could strike fear among smaller retailers.

“They (the government) are going to start with the big names. And hopefully the smaller ones are going to be like, they took Juul down, how can we make this last? Juul had all this money behind them and fell. How can we compete as a small business?” Ochsner added.

Oschner said he thinks the FDA’s decision may actually increase sales of disposables at stores like his.

“Or people are getting into bigger devices and stuff like that. they did,” he said.

Ochsner advocates for customers to make up their own minds when it comes to vaping.

“If people are doing their own research and looking at the good reports and not what everyone else is telling you and actually doing your research, you’ll notice that your mind will change,” Ochsner said.