SAN ANTONIO – An alarming trend of younger people and teens using e-cigarettes and vapes has pushed the San Antonio City Council to change its Smoke-Free Ordinance to include these products.
State data shows e-cigarette usage is more popular in the San Antonio area, while cigarette use is more common in the rural northwest part of the state.
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Data also shows an upward trend in e-cigarette use among Texans 18 and older. The chair of the Community Health Committee for San Antonio, District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo, said, “A lot of folks are under the impression that vaping and e-cigarettes are healthier, but they still have the same health impacts, particularly with secondhand smoke.”
The push to change the ordinance was to limit involuntary exposure to the public and reverse the renormalization of negative behavior. The change includes vaping and e-cigarettes in areas where smoking is currently prohibited, such as restaurants, indoor venues, and other public spaces.
The ordinance change will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
“This update reflects our commitment as the community health strategist and ensures that policies remain relevant to current circumstances, adapt to technological changes, and mitigate potential risks,” said Dr. Claude A. Jacob, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District director. “By reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and promoting smoke-free environments, we are taking significant steps to protect the health of our citizens.”
Metro Health will work to educate businesses and the community on the changes. It is already illegal to smoke and vape in certain public spaces, such as parks. San Antonio police say between January and September 2024, they issued 120 citations to enforce the ban on tobacco products in parks.
Citations for breaking the city ordinance range between $200 and $2,000. The ordinance is enforced on a complaint basis, and anyone can call 311 to file a complaint.
Business owners who need an updated “No Smoking, Vaping, E-Cigarette” sign can contact their city council representative.