Bill Would Exempt E-Cigarettes From Smoking Ban

A bill in the state Legislature would exempt electronic cigarettes from the state’s indoor smoking ban, a measure that would pre-empt local restrictions on the vaporized nicotine devices.

Dane County Supervisor Jenni Dye is introducing one such local measure to restrict use of “e-cigs” in public places. The city of Madison already introduced its own restrictions earlier this year. The proposed county ordinance would apply to towns.

“It is exactly the same as the smoke-free law that we all are very familiar with,” said Dye. “If you are at a bar or restaurant, you can’t smoke inside. What this means is you can’t smoke inside, whether that’s a regular cigarette or an e-cigarette.”

The Wisconsin chapter of the American Cancer Society said Florence County currently bans e-cigarettes in public places. Ten other counties currently have limited policies against e-cigs, prohibiting their use at work on county property.

The Food and Drug Administration is considering regulations on e-cigarettes. It’s said e-cigarettes haven’t been fully studied to know how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are inhaled.