New E Cigarette and Vape Pen Regulations in San Diego

On September 16^th, 2014, the City Council of San Diego addressed Agenda Item 50 that with approval categorizes E-Cigarettes to adopt the same rules and restrictions as tobacco products. This would include vape pens, and vaping juices. On July 28^th, 2014 the ordinance was introduce and approved by a 9-0 vote by the council. (Source) The Council has not come to a conclusion yet for the September 16^th meeting. (Source) Many of the laws created for smoking traditional cigarettes are to protect the community from second hand smoke. E-Cigarettes do not have second hand smoke.

If the ordinance goes through, here is a rundown of the laws right now for traditional tobacco products that would effect e-cigarettes.

State laws currently hold the following regulations:

• No smoking in private cars with children under 18
• No smoking in workplaces that are inclosed
• No smoking within 20 feet of a public entryway
• No smoking in Tot Lots and Playgrounds within 25 feet of play structures.
• No smoking in Daycare areas, including private homes
  (Source)

San Diego Local Laws for tobacco products are the following:

• No smoking Dining Patios in Restaurants. (Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, National City, Solana Beach)
• No smoking in multi unit housing common area (El Cajon)
• No smoking on sidewalks (El Cajon, Del Mar)
• No smoking in parks or beaches (19 different cities within San Diego, including San Diego)
• Retail stores must be licensed and pay a permit fee ( El Cajon, San Diego, Solana Beach, Vista)
• No smoking in transit systems (MTS and North County Transit District)
  (Source)

Source:

http://thevapingmilitia.org/local-alert-san-diego-city-ca-public-usage-ban-treats-vaping-the-same-as-smoking/

http://www.smokefreesandiego.org/l

http://reason.com/archives/2014/08/08/e-cig-vote-reveals-a-ban-happy-mindset