Ban vaping indoors?

On Thursday, April 25 the New Hampshire Senate will vote on a bill that would add e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices to the Indoor Smoking Act.  That means it would be illegal to vape in public places such as restaurants and workplaces. 

The bill, HB 511, also adds all vaping products to the law against youth access to tobacco products.  That law already bans youth access to “e-nicotine” in particular. 

Supporters of vaping restrictions 

Vaping can be distasteful to bystanders who don’t want to put up with clouds of unknown vapor indoors.  Supporters of HB 511 note there has not been time for long-term studies on the effects of second-hand vapor.   

Supporters of HB 511 also argue the bill will help combat the widespread use of vape pens and e-cigarettes among teens. 

Opponents argue vaping is different 

Opponents of HB 511 argue that vaping is fundamentally different than traditional cigarette smoking, and the two should not be lumped together in the same law.  Vaping is much less harmful than cigarette smoking, and some people argue vaping helps them stop smoking. 

Other opponents note that businesses can choose to ban vaping on their property, and it is not necessary to force all businesses to do so. 

Do you think vaping should be illegal anywhere smoking is illegal?  Let us know in the comments below.