Boulderites have long since known that smoking in public areas was a restricted practice.
Boulder City Council has now voted to expand the smoking ban to include “vaping” and all e-cigarette devices, along with new geographical inclusions.
The Council, citing health reasons and the “public example” set to kids witnessing people using e-cigarettes and vaporizer pens, said that it’s best to err on the side of caution. “I still have serious concerns about e-cigarettes,” he said. “They are not regulated, and nicotine is still harmful. And people might not know they are around them.” [The Daily Camera] This is a bit hilarious given how weed-friendly Boulder is as a whole, but no mind. Marijuana use is generally considered a more private endeavor than walking down the street vaping or smoking.
According to the new expanded smoking ban, the new rules governing smoking and e-devices will make smoking in public a ticketable offense in areas beyond the downtown business district surrounding Pearl Street. New areas included will be including all Boulder city parks/open sapce, multi-use bike/pedestrian paths, Chautauqua on the south side of town, and areas within 25 feet of multi-use bike/pedestrian paths, bus stops, and building entrances. Alleys in the business district are also included in the ban.
So — what say you, Boulder? With the recent e-device/vaporizer expansion included, are you behind the expanded ban or do have some ideas bordering on Nanny State? With as healthy as this city is across the board, this expanded ban isn’t surprising. It could be ruffling more than just a few feathers, however.
