FEATURE
Where CAN
you vape
in the US?
Try the smoking area, as more and
more local governments are imposing
restrictions on vaping in the open air.
By Gordon Stribling
With the Gottlieb era now behind us, America’s vapers
may be breathing a sigh of relief. But regardless of
who steps into the role of FDA commissioner, federal
vaping regulations are unlikely to be relaxed.
Meanwhile, cities and counties continue to roll out
punitive policies to punish visitors and residents
for using the one thing that may have helped them
ditch tobacco for good. Now some state and city
governments are cracking down on vaping in the open
air.
Not in LA County
This is the most populous district in the US and falls
under California’s state-wide vaping restrictions. While
California prohibits vaping in workplaces, restaurants
and bars, LA County goes a step further.
By broadening the definition of ‘smoking’ to include
the use of vaping products, residents and visitors are
now prohibited from vaping outdoors in public parks,
bars, some county-owned golf courses, on beaches
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and in nearby car parks and bus stops.
Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a written statement:
“By closing loopholes of smoke-free zones … LA
County residents are better able to enjoy cleaner,
healthier air. No one should have to worry about the
harmful effects of second-hand smoke while walking
to school or work or enjoying a meal in a restaurant.”
Similar state and city regulations have been imposed
or proposed as far and wide as New Jersey, Idaho,
Virginia, Georgia and Florida, in city parks, forests,
along sidewalks, greenbelt and sports fields.
Not on campus
Meanwhile, expanded smoke and tobacco-free
policies are being rolled out on university campuses
throughout the country.
According to the most recent statistics from the
American Nonsmokers’ Rights Association, 1,965
college campus sites prohibit e-cigarette use. Among
them, Arizona State University (ASU).