Lewisville Bans Sale of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors

The City of Lewisville voted to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors Monday night.

During their bi-weekly meeting, by a vote of 5-0, the Lewisville City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would restrict the sale of e-cigarettes to those age 18 and older. Anyone found to be in violation of the ordinance could face a fine of up to $500.

The legislation, as outlined here on pages 136-139, appears to only restrict the sale of the devices to minors and does not restrict usage or possession of the devices.

Lewisville is now one of a handful of North Texas cities who have initiated legislation to regulate the sale and/or use of e-cigarettes. At this time there are no federal or state regulations regarding the use of e-cigarettes by minors, so some local governments are trying to get out in front of the issue.

Earlier this month, the City of Frisco considered an amendment to their smoking ordinance that would restrict e-cigarette use but decided to table a vote until the public had more time to weigh in.

In Grand Prairie, the City Council approved an expansion of their current smoking ordinance to forbid smoking cigarettes in restaurants, sports arenas and other city-owned facilities while allowing smoking in bars, bowling centers and bingo parlors, among other places. They also made it illegal for those under 18 to purchase, possess or use an electronic cigarette.

In Keller, the City Council has discussed implementing a smoking ban to outlaw smoking in restaurants. It is not yet known if that ordinance would include e-cigarettes or when that ordinance may be drafted and put to a vote.