The Dallas City Council has taken a significant step toward addressing public health and environmental concerns by amending its smoking ordinance to include electronic smoking devices, known as vaping, on December 11, 2024, that will take effect in December 2025. Vaping is now prohibited in all areas where smoking is currently banned, including indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances and on park property. The amendment does not introduce new restricted locations, but ensures that existing smoke-free zones now explicitly extend to vaping.

The policy comes in response to growing concerns about the health risks that include exposure to second-hand aerosol emissions and the environmental impact of discarded vaping products. The one-year grace period is designed to give the public, business owners and operators ample time to understand and comply with the new rules. During this period, the city will conduct an outreach campaign to educate residents about the updated regulations and the importance of reducing exposure to harmful substances in shared environments.

The ordinance has already garnered attention from local advocacy groups, with some applauding the move as a progressive measure to safeguard public health while others have raised concerns about the potential economic impact on small businesses that sell vaping products. Businesses and venues subject to the ordinance are encouraged to begin preparing for the changes by updating their policies and signage to reflect the inclusion of vaping in smoke-free zones.

Resources and guidance will be made available to help stakeholders navigate the transition, and the city will continue to monitor feedback and adjust its educational efforts to ensure widespread compliance and support.

For more information, call 214-671-9025 or visit DallasCityHall.com.