New Outcome in Austin’s E-Cigarette Ban

by Jeffrey Buckley

Updated: May 24, 2017

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Lawmakers from the city of Austin, Texas, have finally reached a decision on their discussion about a possible e-cigarette ban. This is following its recent session, held on last Thursday.

No More E-cigarettes in Public

Austin City Council Members have been discussing the possible virtues of completely banning the e-cigarettes from public spaces. On Thursday, they held a vote. The final results were in the favor of this ban. The original proposal argues that e-cigarettes are just as unhealthy and damaging as traditional tobacco cigarettes. Regardless the quantity, e-cigarettes still contain some toxic chemicals that can be damaging both to smokers and those exposed to the secondhand smoke. In the case of the e-cigarettes, secondhand vapors.

This means that e-cigarette will be joining a list alongside their regular cigarettes brothers. Notably, tobacco cigarettes have been banned in the public spaces of Austin for 10 years now.

New Restrictions Within 90 Days

As of now, the resolution has been approved. Furthermore, the code amendments are about to be drafted in a very short time. After a successful implementation, the citizens of Austin will have to follow this law, whether they like it or not. The city has invoked a 90 day grace period for the new ruling. Therefore, after this period, the ruling becomes law.

The proposal had quite a lot of opposition last time they held a vote. Currently, one can only speculate how the actual implementation of the law will play out. Nor does anyone know how it will affect those opposing it. On the other hand, City Council and Department of Health both hope that the damage that tobacco causes will overpower the enjoyment in it.

Some see this ban as a step towards healthier community. Meanwhile, others found themselves victims of it. Given how much Texans enjoy smoking on their patios, the question is will they remain silent? On the other hand, will they rebel against this ban once again?

Whether you are a current resident of Austin or not, what are your thoughts on this ban?

Jeffrey Buckley

I was a smoker for over 25 years. In this time I also earned my medical degree with a specialization in addiction treatment and counseling. That period has led me to vaping, my interest started around 2011. I’m fighting the tide of hysteria and dis-information around vaping that emanates from various fronts legislative, cultural and scientific. Having scientific councils support, I’m happy to contribute my thoughts, articles, and expertise.

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