5 things to know about Houston's new ban on vaping and e-cigarettes

Houston City Council on March 30 unanimously outlawed vaping, but what does that mean for those Houstonians who choose to use electronic cigarettes?

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1. Where is it outlawed?

Houston currently bans tobacco smoking in enclosed public places and seating areas and within 25 feet of any building entrance. Smoking in covered bus stops and light rail stops also is prohibited. As of Wednesday, the smoking ban now includes electronic cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, also commonly known as vape pens, have become commonplace in Houston and are often used as an alternative to tobacco smoking. Their use is now restricted in accordance with the citywide smoking ban enacted in 2007 to reduce public secondhand smoke exposure.

2. Can I be fined for vaping in public?

Under the city`s smoking ordinance, businesses are required to post [no smoking" signs and enforce the ban on their premises. Violators may be fined up to $2,000.

Businesses will be expected to confront patrons who vape in non-smoking areas, in violation of the new law. Most member restaurants support doing so, the Greater Houston chapter of the Texas Association of Restaurants said this week. Those that fail to enforce it risk being reported through the city`s 311 service and investigated by health inspectors.

The city hopes to proactively educate business owners and residents about the ban. In practice, individual vape users are unlikely to face fines unless they refuse to comply when confronted by health inspectors.

3. Are there any exceptions to the ban?

All types of electronic cigarettes are subject to the ban, which covers vaporizers, vape pens, electronic cigars, electronic hookahs and any other aerosol-producing smoking device.

The updated smoking ban applies to vapes filled with tobacco-derived nicotine, as well as those that are nicotine-free.

4. Why is vaping being banned?

Council members are concerned about the adverse health effects of vapor particles produced by e-cigarettes. Like tobacco smoke, the ultra-fine particles have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, even when consumed secondhand.

The rise in teen vaping is another concern. Health Department officials began researching the possibility of including e-cigarettes in the citywide smoking ban last year in response to data showing as many as 1 in 10 middle schoolers vape. The rate is even higher among Houston high schoolers, one third of whom use e-cigarettes.

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Scientists do not have a full picture of the long-term consequences of using e-cigarettes. But city officials are concerned about evidence showing teens who vape are far more likely to develop a lifelong nicotine addiction. They see banning public vaping as a way to protect children and teens, whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable to nicotine.

5. When does the ban take effect?

The new limitations on public vaping took effect Wednesday March 30. But lawmakers anticipate health inspectors will extend a "grace period" to business owners and E-Cigarette users in the coming months, with some leeway given to those who are not aware of the ban.