New York City and Chicago government heads have outright banned restaurant and bar patrons from “lighting up” their electronic cigarettes inside the establishments.
The cities have also prohibited e-cigarettes from other public places, the Daily Mail reported.
Specifically, Chicago’s ban applies to public places that are inside, while New York’s applies to parks and beaches.
The ban took effect on Tuesday, amid a fury of debate about the health effects of the product — some say they’re better than cigarettes; others claim they promote smoking.
E-cigarettes emit a vapor that’s produced from a nicotine-based liquid, and opponents argue that the product — which sometimes comes in candy flavors — is a “gateway” to real tobacco use, the Daily Mail said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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