By Michael Winter, USA TODAY
Snuffing out a move to allow e-cigarettes in bars, Los Angeles lawmakers on Tuesday extended the city’s strict smoking restrictions to the electronic tobacco substitute.
The Los Angeles ordinance treats electronic cigarettes like their tobacco counterparts, banning smoking in public places. (Photo: Getty Images)
As with conventional smokes, e-cigarettes will be banned in bars, restaurants, parks and any other location where tobacco is prohibited. But the battery-powered nicotine devices will be allowed in so-called vaping lounges, where customers can ignite up among friends.
The ordinance passed the City Council unanimously and now awaits the signature of Mayor Eric Garcetti, who supports it. The regulations will take effect 30 days later.
Councilmember Joe Buscaino tried to exempt bars, arguing that the council lacked “conclusive evidence that secondhand vapors present a health risk.”
“I believe this ordinance goes too far in restricting individual liberties. We should allow bar and restaurant owners to decide whether or not to allow this in their establishment,” he said.
Read the full story by Michael Winter, USA Today.
