City Council approves e-cigarette restrictions

On July 10, Cedar Park City Council approved an ordinance that bans electronic cigarette possession by minors or e-cigarette sales to minors. City Council also approved an ordinance that forbids anyone from using e-cigarettes in city buildings.

Both ordinances took effect upon passage.

City Council heard first readings on June 26 that would ban e-cigarette sales to minors, but council members asked for additional restrictions. Based on City Council's feedback, city staff amended the proposed ban on sales to minors to add the ban on possession of e-cigarette equipment by minors, said Mauro Lopez, city of Cedar Park management intern.

The revised ordinance makes it a misdemeanor in Cedar Park for any person younger than age 18 to possess either a vaping device or vaping fluid.

The revision also defines a vaping device as "any device that uses an atomizer or similar device that allows users to inhale nicotine vapor or other vapor without the use of fire, smoke, or ash." Vaping fluid is defined as "any liquid, gel, paste, or other substance used" with a vaping device.

Violators are subject to city fines of up to $500 and business employees who sell vaping devices or fluids to minors are subject to prosecution. Buyers of vaping supplies must prove with photo identifications that they are age 18 or older.

The other ordinance adds e-cigarette use to smoking as activities banned in city buildings. Violators are subject to the same city fine of up to $500. The restriction does not apply to city-owned parks or other exceptions within city buildings.