The City of Red Deer is clearing the air about the use of electronic cigarettes in public places.
Under the city’s Smoke Free Bylaw, the definition of “smoking” applies to “vaping” — the practise of using an e-cigarette — and “smoking” combustible cigarettes.
An e-cigarette simulates the look and feel of a tobacco cigarette and uses a battery to heat a liquid solution, producing a visible, vapour emission that may produce an odour depending on the flavour of the liquid used.
The city is treating the practise of vaping akin to smoking, which means it is prohibited in public places outlined in the bylaw.
Smoking is banned in places such as bingo halls, casinos, bars, outdoor public events, public buildings, restaurants and within 10 metres of playgrounds, seasonal skating rinks, skate parks, sports fields, water spray parks, or toboggan hills.
“We want to make this grey issue more black and white until federal and provincial regulators provide more direction,” said Sarah Cockerill, director of Community Services.
“The Smoke Free Bylaw is intended to protect the health of the community, and limit the exposure that children and youth may have to smoking behaviours in public places.”