Vaping still allowed in lounges, e-cigarette stores and for film and theatrical purposes.
Los Angeles has moved to ban public use of electronic cigarettes, following in the footsteps of New York, Chicago and Boston
The Los Angeles City Council voted on Tuesday, March 4, to ban the use of electronic cigarettes from restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other public, Reuters reported, noting that a spokeswoman for Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed he planned to sign the measure into law in the coming days.
The Los Angeles ban, however, differs from restrictions on e-cigarettes in other major cities in that vaping is still allowed in lounges and e-cigarette stores and for filming or theatrical purposes, Reuters reported.
“Although we believe the final decision was made in the absence of credible science, it was a more reasonable and sensible approach than the original proposal,” NJOY, the largest independent maker of e-cigarettes, said in a written statement.
“NJOY remains concerned, however, that banning e-cigarette use in public places could deter current tobacco smokers from using the products and thus disserves public health,” the company said.
The City Council action comes as the U.S. government is contemplating further regulations at the national level, Reuters noted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already proposed a rule that would bring e-cigarettes under its jurisdiction and could potentially require companies to register and pay fees, list the ingredients in their products, obtain approval for new products and restrict online sales and marketing to children.