advertisement

Palatine considering banning vaping in indoor places

Citing health concerns, Palatine officials are exploring whether to have a local ban on vaping in indoor places along with boosting the legal age to buy such products in the village.

Palatine Councilman Tim Millar floated the idea of the vaping ban in indoor places. Illinois has had an indoor smoking ban since 2008, but it doesn't include vaping.

Vaping, which includes electronic cigarettes and other devices, delivers nicotine without tobacco. Vaping products such as Juul, which is shaped like a USB flash drive, heat liquid nicotine into an inhalable vapor sold in fruity or mint flavors.

Millar said he'd envision support from bars and restaurants for a villagewide ban on vaping in public indoor spots.

"I've always wondered why we haven't had it being in a restaurant where somebody was vaping. It kind of ruins the food," Millar said.

Millar also cited reports of increases in oral cancer from vaping, as well as the risks of secondhand smoke.

"It (vaping) takes nicotine, so it's not healthy by any stretch of the imagination," Millar said.

The ban is important to protect residents' welfare, "just like anything else," he said.

Separately, a village council committee last week agreed to consider raising the age to buy vaping products to 21 from 18 ahead of any possible action by the state.

Village Manager Reid Ottesen said he plans to research the creation of an ordinance that would ban vaping. He said information likely will be presented to the Palatine council for discussion in two or three months.

Several towns - including Aurora, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Gurnee, Mundelein, Naperville and Vernon Hills - have boosted the minimum age to 21 from 18 for using or buying tobacco and vaping products.

In addition, a proposal before the General Assembly would apply the 21-or-older standard statewide for the purchase of tobacco or vaping materials.

Officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission in April issued stern warnings to manufacturers, distributors and retailers for selling e-cigarettes with labeling and advertising the agencies consider to be targeted at children.

Des Plaines approves alternative penalty for students caught vaping

E-cigarettes disappoint in a workplace quit-smoking study

Study says vaping by kids isn't up, but some are skeptical

Dangers of vaping for teens

Wauconda trustees divided on increasing minimum age for buying cigarettes

Naperville bans smoking at 137 outdoor parks

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.