Texas: Group Wants Dallas to Enact Public Vape Ban

A citizen advisory group has recommended that the City of Dallas follow other major Texas cities with a ban on vaping in public spaces in the name of public health.

The city’s Environmental Commission has recommended adopting a policy restricting the use of e-cigarettes, citing a “correlation between vaping aerosol exposure and negative health effects for vulnerable populations,” said Candace Thompson, chair of the commission’s environmental health committee.

In August, the commission unanimously approved a recommendation to expand the city’s 2016 smoking ban to include the prohibition of vaping of nicotine and non-nicotine products in most public spaces, with a few exceptions, including bars, restaurants and parks controlled by private partners, according to the Dallas News.

Dallas City Councilwoman Kathy Stewart, who chairs the parks, trails and environment committee, said she saw the recommendation in a memo. But her committee has not discussed nor voted on the proposed ban, which would be required before City Council action.

Vaping was banned in Austin in 2017 and in Houston in 2022.