In a recent vote, the city government of Minneapolis moved to further restrict vaping in public around the city. The new ban will apply to all public parks and pools and the vote comes as part of a larger package that also banned the use of chewing tobacco and other forms of tobacco in public areas.

Taking Effect May 8th

The new rules are set to go into effect on May 8th, 2017, although previous restrictions on traditional cigarettes have been in place since 2009. This follows a nationwide trend of banning vapor products in public, regardless of whether or not the vaper is using nicotine.

Many vapers are upset by this change, reminding the public that vapor products do not produce the same second-hand chemicals as cigarettes, nor do they produce physical waste like cigarette filters that commonly litter parks and other public places. However, they have been able to do little to stop these laws from taking effect in Minneapolis and in other places across the nation.

It's Bigger Than Parks

The new law goes one step further than simply protecting areas where children congregate. In fact, it bans tobacco and nicotine-containing products from biking trails, rivers and lakes, golf courses and restaurants as well.

Fighting for Rights

Vapor advocates in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota are still fighting for vapers’ rights as the final days count down to the ban. They continue to advocate for new laws that recognize vapor products as being substantially different from traditional cigarettes, and deserving of their own legislation.

In addition, they argue that banning people who have recently switched to e-cigarettes from hiking and biking trails is counterproductive to individuals trying to lose weight and exercise.

This is just one of many laws that may have a profound effect on vapers in the US this year. There are sure to be other local government votes concerning vapor bans and taxes in the coming months. In the meantime, vapers continue to rally and conduct outreach efforts to local legislators and their communities to bolster support for those who vape.

In Minneapolis, the battle is far from over in a city that is home to numerous parks, trails and golf courses that vapers frequent.