On December 11, 2024, the Dallas City Council approved a new ordinance aimed at improving air quality and protecting the health of residents by banning vaping in places where smoking is already prohibited. The ordinance, proposed by the Dallas City Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), changes the definition of “smoking” in city code of Dallas to include the use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices. . This measure effectively prohibits vaping in all places currently prohibited from smoking.
The new order will take effect on December 11, 2025, providing a one-year grace period for residents, business owners and operators to comply with the new rules.
The ordinance reflects existing restrictions on smoking in specific areas, including all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances and on park property. It is important to note that this amendment does not add any new locations to the list of smoking and vaping restrictions.
Additionally, the amendment requires businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, to update their signage to clearly state that smoking and the use of electronic devices for smoking are prohibited .
“I am proud to work alongside my fellow council members, in partnership with the Environmental Commission, to advance policies that make sense. As we know, vaping is a serious public health issue that affects our young and most vulnerable. I am pleased with today’s vote to adopt these amendments,” said Kathy Stewart, District 10 Council Member and Chair of the Parks, Trails and Environment Committee.
“This ordinance reinforces the City’s commitment to restricting vaping in public spaces after working with our community partners and identifying the negative health effects of exposure to vaping aerosols,” said Acting City Manager , Kimberly Tolbert. “This is an exciting day as 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.”
“Today’s action shows another way the City’s Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan is protecting the health of our residents. said Carlos Evans, director of OEQS.
This amendment to the ordinance garnered broad support from major health organizations, including Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), the American Lung Association (ALA), and the American Heart Association ( AHA). These organizations, along with the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the US Surgeon General, have consistently expressed concerns about health risks from direct and indirect exposure to aerosols. vaping, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.