E-Cig Usage Banned in Smith Co. Buildings, near Property Entrances

TYLER � Electronic cigarettes and other vaping products will now be covered under Smith County’s smoking ordinance and will not be allowed inside Smith County buildings, nor within 50 feet of the county property entrances. According to KETK, citizens and employees who take part in the popular alternative to traditional tobacco use will now have to abide by the same policies as cigarette smokers and those who chew tobacco.

Justin Campbell, manager of Uptown Vapor Lounge, claimed he agreed with the new ordinance set forth by County Judge Joel Baker. But Campbell took offense to the report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which stated the liquid nicotine inside e-cigs has caused injury to people when it comes in contact with their eyes and skin. Campbell says the problem is responsibility. He compared leaving children unattended with an e-cig to leaving cleaning supplies within their reach.