Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Philip Huang has praised the City of Dallas for approving a change in its smoking ordinance.
The Dallas City Council approved the ordinance on December 11, 2024, amending the definition of smoking to include all electronic devices.
As a result, vaping will be effectively banned in all areas in which smoking is prohibited.
A City of Dallas news release about the ordinance states that the change has already received support from the Dallas County Health and Human Services, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association.
Huang said City Council made the correct decision by including electronic devices in the definition of smoking.
“I applaud the City of Dallas for taking this important step toward a healthier future for our residents,” he said in a DCHHS press release. “The updated smoke-free ordinance is a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to protect public health. By expanding the definition of smoking to include electronic devices and plant products, we are creating a more equitable and protective environment for all.”
Dallas Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert also applauded the directive and said it was a necessary change.
“This ordinance fortifies the City’s commitment to restrict vaping in public spaces after collaboration with our community partners and identifying the negative health effects of vaping aerosol exposure,” said Tolbert in the City news release. “This is an exciting day because the approval of the ordinance closes an important regulatory gap and better protects the health of our residents from the negative effects of electronic smoking devices.”
While this ordinance requires all businesses to change the signage of smoking areas to comply with the new ordinance, it does not add any locations to the list of places where smoking is prohibited.
Businesses and public areas across the City have a one-year grace period to implement the changes before the ordinance goes into effect on December 11, 2025.