growing number of East Bay cities are taking steps to restrict electronic cigarettes, and Union City has led the charge, becoming the state's first municipality to ban vapor lounges and other businesses where e-cigarettes are used.
The City Council approved the new regulation earlier this month after a Union City Youth Commission report expressed concern that e-cigarettes might lead to an increase in nicotine addiction. The commission, comprised of 16 New Haven Unified students in grades 7 to 12, also asserted that fast-growing e-cigarette products are being marketed to minors.
"The kids wanted us to regulate them because they were being sold and packaged in less expensive ways that let kids get their hands on them," Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci said. "We are trying to promote healthy lifestyles in Union City and the new ordinance helps with that."
The new law, effective Jan. 9, also bans medical marijuana dispensaries in Union City.
Other cities are following suit. Earlier this month, Richmond restricted the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces, and Hayward council members are scheduled next month to consider similar regulations.
E-cigarettes are smokeless devices, typically made of plastic or metal, that allow users to inhale nicotine vapor rather than tobacco fumes.The Federal Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the products and has said the safety of the devices is still unknown.
