The Olathe city council has considered whether or not to ban e-cigarettes several times, but recently confirmed that the electronic alternatives are to be added to the smoking ban already in effect.
The first vote came on November 18, but there were not enough affirmative votes to include the e-cigarette ban in the Indoor Clean Air Ordinance. This month, the measure passed with only two dissenting votes.
There was discussion on whether or not e-cigarettes are harmful. Those who favor the ‘vapes’, as they are called, said there is no conclusive evidence yet that these electronic smokes present any risks to smokers, while others suggested that all the health concerns are not yet known. Until they are, the city council has decided to be cautious in its approach.
Those smokers who have switched to e-cigarettes say they are a powerful tool to help in quitting completely. They further say the cigarettes are green, since there are no butts to throw out, nor is there a smoke smell associated with the use of the vaporizers.
Others are not so sure, and some nonsmokers have argued that the vapors released when the e-cigarette is smoked are in fact toxic.
The city could consider working with brochure printers to create a booklet for retailers such as restaurants to give to patrons, explaining the reasoning behind the ban.
