Bannock County to decide ban on electronic cigarettes
Update: On Wednesday afternoon the Bannock County Commissioners voted to ban smoking electronic cigarettes out of county facilities.
On Wednesday morning the Bannock County Commissioners will hear the public’s concern over smoking electronic cigarettes in county-owned facilities.
County commissioner Steve Hadley said on Tuesday it is too early to determine what factors the commissioners need to consider before making a decision as to whether or not e-cigarettes should be banned in every county facility.
Outlaw Vapor shop owner Ben Bosworth said he understands some bans need to come down, however regardless of the ban, everyone should still be respectful of each other’s rights.
“If people don’t want to vape and don’t want to be around it, then just don’t impose what you’re doing on them because I don’t want anything they’re doing imposed on me as well,” Bosworth said.
Other e-cigarette and vapor shop owners around town, such as The Vaping Outlet owner Trent Carrell, agree with Bosworth. Despite the absence of laws determining the age people are allowed to buy this product, Carrell and the other local vapor shop owners still refuse to sell the product to anyone under 18 years old.
Carrell mentioned he has seen the ban on e-cigarettes spread throughout various regions in other states such as Utah, and does not want to see it happen in his local community.
Idaho State University also nixed the use of e-cigarettes after the school turned to a non-smoking policy on campus. ISU Student Affairs Vice President Dr. Patricia Terrell said the school adopted this measure after the same model airlines use. She mentioned this would save any confusion since e-cigarettes resemble someone smoking a tradition cigarette from a distance, and often times is reported to officials.
The city of Pocatello does not yet have any ordinances in place against the use of e-cigarettes. Currently, the city asks people to not smoke in public parks as a courtesy to others.
The commissioners are expected to come down with a decision by Wednesday afternoon.
You can watch this story tonight at 6 o’clock on Local News 8 and 5:30 on Eyewitness News 3.
