Lengthy debates and testimonies concerning electronic cigarettes consumed the Laramie City Council meeting this past Tuesday.
The council is considering an ordinance that would put e-cigarettes under the same restrictions as the tobacco alternatives. Over 12 residents spoke on the issue during the public hearing that lasted almost two hours.
According to WebMD, e-cigarettes, contain nicotine, flavorings and other liquids and the “smoke-like” reaction is a result of vapor, or steam. Although there are limited restrictions on e-cigarettes, the council is looking to ban them in enclosed public areas.
The council admitted to the lack of conclusive research on the health effects of e-cigarettes; however, recent reports on the product from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization have created concern.
“The FDA determined that various samples tested contained not only nicotine but also detectable levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals…,” the ordinance reads. “Their use in workplaces and public places where smoking of traditional tobacco products is prohibited creates concern and confusion and leads to difficulties in enforcing the smoking prohibitions.”
Supporters of e-cigarettes gave testimonies as to how the product has benefitted their livelihoods, especially through having the freedom to smoke inside.
“It’s a little more environmentally friendly,” said one Laramie resident. “I also like being able to go to the bar and enjoy my vape – I don’t get those looks like I’m breaking the law or anything weird or like I’m inhaling meth or something like that.”
Others expressed concern for the wellbeing of the local vaporizing shop, Steam Vapour Company, owned by Spencer and Amanda Pittman. The council is considering an amendment allowing the trial use of products inside retail electronic cigarette stores, provided minors cannot enter and ventilation is not shared with other businesses.
“For our business, I do really urge you to give our employees credit,” Amanda Pittman said. “If even banning them [e-cigarettes] in public won’t put us out of business, banning them in our business, the use of e-cigarettes in our business when it really honestly doesn’t bother the other businesses around us, that would seriously harm our business.”
Several community members spoke in opposition to the cigarette alternatives, citing reasons including negative health effects and public atmospheres.
“There’s a lack of info and studies, but I would say there’s a risk. There are chemicals in these e-cigarettes, and the public should not be asked to bear the risk,” Megan Hayes, a former member of Smoke Free Laramie, said.
The council did not make a final decision, and the issue was postponed until Oct. 14 at the City Hall at 6 p.m.
Other topics brought up in the meeting include:
- Mayor Dave Paulekas proclaimed Ocotober as Domestic Violence Awareness month. A state-wide silent witness ceremony will be taking place Oct. 4 at the Laramie Plains Civic Center.
- The council struck down an amendment allowing dwelling live/work businesses to take place in all residential homes with a conditional use permit. Businesses will remain in R3 zones, although the city will take into consideration other factors, like noise and access, when giving out conditional use permits.
- A motion to vacate part of Lewis Street was passed on its second reading, and could potentially give the University of Wyoming the section between 10th and 11th streets. UW would be permitted to setup temporary barriers during the day, in efforts to insure safety to student pedestrians.
- The next council meeting is a work session, and it will convene on Sept. 23 at 6 P.M at City Hall.
