Abilene, Texas Bans E-Cigs To Minors

Abilene City Council voted Thursday morning to prohibit the sale, use and possession of e-cigarettes to minors.

Council members, however, decided not to take any action on the proposition to add the general use of e-cigarettes to the city’s current smoking ban. That decision allows adults to continue using e-cigarettes in public places without limitations.

The decision to not vote on the proposed e-cigarette smoking ban came after two hours of discussion in a public hearing. Twenty individuals came forward to share their opinion on the matter with council.

Councilman Jay Hardaway was the first to suggest they vote only on the prohibition to minors component of the ordinance. Several council members voiced their support to Hardaway’s proposal.

Councilman Joe Spano supported the move, but also asked that individuals who use e-cigarettes to be respectful of the fact that it may bother others and to distance themselves from non-users when asked to do so.

The council’s decision to add the sale, use, and possession of e-cigarettes to minors was met with no opposition by council or the public audience at Thursday’s meeting. The modification to the current smoking ban ordinance will be posted Sunday and take effect 10 days later on Aug. 5.