Delray considers proposal banning indoor use of electronic cigarettes

100 NW 1st Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444

It may not matter whether folks are lighting up to smoke with a match or electronically indoors in Delray Beach.

Tuesday, commissioners will consider giving preliminary approval to a new rule that would ban the use of e-cigarettes where smoking regular cigarettes is already prohibited.

E-cigarettes come in all sizes, shapes and colors. But they all dispense nicotine through a vapor, which city officials say can potentially expose nonsmokers to the addictive substance.

The proposal would extend the ban on tobacco smoking under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act to electronic cigarettes. The ban states it would also echo the American Heart Association's new guidelines, which include e-cigarettes in smoke-free air laws.

That means smokers can't use electronic cigarettes in enclosed indoor workplaces. The proposal doesn't prohibit e-cigarettes in private residences, retail tobacco shops, designated smoking guest rooms, stand-alone bars or places where medical or scientific research takes place.

Those who violate the rule would be subject to a fine, arrest or both. If tentatively approved, the rule would be up for public hearing and a final vote on Jan. 20.

Several commissioners asked Delray's legal team to come up with an ordinance to address the growing use of e-cigarettes around town.

Commissioner Adam Frankel said folks eating and shopping in Delray establishments shouldn't have to be subjected to the odor or smoke that e-cigarettes emit.

"The smoke from e-cigarettes and vapes is the same as cigarette smoke," Frankel said. "People don't expect to have the effect of second-hand smoke whether it comes from a cigarettes or an e-cigarette. Those in the city have the expectation of breathing clean air at indoor locations."

See more here:
Delray considers proposal banning indoor use of electronic cigarettes