Topeka Bans E-Cigarettes in Enclosed Public Places

Topeka officials have banned electronic cigarettes in enclosed public places.

WIBW-TV reports that council members voted 7-2 on Tuesday night to extend the city’s ban on indoor smoking to include vaping. The e-cigarettes, which allow nicotine users to inhale vapor, have become increasingly popular substitutes for tobacco cigarettes.

But Topeka City Councilwoman Elaine Schwartz says questions remain about the safety of e-cigarettes. The ordinance makes exceptions for private residences, except when used as a day care home and outdoor places of employment. The exception is limited to no more than 20 percent of hotel or motel rooms available to be rented to guests.

Overland Park, Olathe, McPherson and Kansas City, Kansas, already ban the use of e-cigarettes in some public places.