Following a number of public hearings and a public consultation that was launched last February, the measure which will make vaping illegal in restaurants and public places was passed, in a move that basically extends the county’s smoking ban to include tobacco products.
Amongst those who favour the vaping ban, some mentioned secondhand vapor exposure, saying that even though it is not as hazardous as second hand smoke, it is not harmless. So far studies that have focused precisely on this, have found that the toxic chemicals found in exhaled vapor are of insignificant amounts.
Whilst opponents of the ban pointed out that vaping helps smokers curb the habit, and that as Public Health England had suggested last year in 2016, forcing vapers to use their devices in smoking areas, undermines their efforts to quit by placing them in a vulnerable position.
Business owners feel bullied
Vape store owners across the US have long been feeling like they are being bullied. “I feel like they want us to close our doors,” said Gabrielle Williams, owner of Vape Inn Pittsburgh. “I employ 12 employees, I have three business locations, and they’re just trying to always meddle in our business. Leave it up to us. Let us do it.”
