Dallas Might Soon Ban Vaping Where Cigarettes Are Already Prohibited
Published: Fri, 08/11/23
Dallas Might Soon Ban Vaping Where Cigarettes Are Already Prohibited
The city might soon join other large Texas cities who have already made the move, but not everyone is convinced it's needed.
The proposed change could restrict vaping where smoking is already prohibited in Dallas.
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Dallas Observer
By Jacob Vaughn
August 11, 2023
In Dallas, you can’t smoke wherever you want. There are restrictions in place that prohibit people from smoking at workplaces or in retail establishments, for example. Now, some are discussing similar restrictions for vaping.
Right now, Dallas restricts vaping on city property for the sake of the health of employees and visiting residents. But a change proposed by the city’s Environmental Health Committee would extend the vaping ban to all places where smoking cigarettes is already prohibited if it’s later passed by the City Council. The proposed change was approved by the city's Environmental Commission on Wednesday.
The city prohibits smoking in any public indoor or enclosed area, any area designated as nonsmoking by an owner of an establishment, on park property, in workplaces and in any retail or service establishment.
After examining numerous medical studies and peer-reviewed articles, the Environmental Health Committee, which makes recommendations to the Environmental Commission, said it agrees that there is a correlation between vaping aerosol exposure and negative health effects for vulnerable populations, such as children and people with asthma. The committee said in a May 10 memo that most major cities and some smaller ones in Texas have established ordinances that prohibit vaping in areas where smoking isn’t allowed, with some exceptions for bars and restaurants.