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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE COMMERCE CITY REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES IN CITY BUILDINGS
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Summary and Background Information: The recommendation is being made to amend chapter 12 of the Commerce City revised municipal code to prohibit the use of electronic smoking devices in city buildings.
The primary reasons for the prohibition are:
* Secondhand electronic smoking device vapors have not been scientifically proven to be safe
* Electronic devices contain harmful chemicals/elements in exhaled vapors
* Electronic vaporizers can increase nicotine addiction among young people and may lead kids to try other tobacco products; many contain flavors such as bubble gum and chocolate, which may appeal to youth
* Creates confusion and leads to difficulties in enforcing existing smoking prohibitions
* No way to determine if the device contains marijuana
* The perception - the Parks and Recreation Department supports the idea of healthy & active lifestyles; this models smoking behavior to youth
* Many different companies manufacture e-cigarettes, with limited regulations; documented poor manufacturing practices
* Allowing smoking/vaping indoors puts businesses at risk for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can occur when people with respiratory problems have limited access or cannot patronize or work in a business due to indoor air pollutants
The Commerce City Boys & Girls Club has been working with the Tri-County Health Department to address youth exposure to tobacco and nicotine. They requested the opportunity to share the dangers of electronic cigarettes, and how companies market their products to youth (e.g., sweet flavorings, bright colors, alternative to smoking, etc.) Several youth from the organization presented information pertaining to this topic on May 5, 2014. The PowerPoint that was shown was created by the youth, with staff oversight from Commerce City Parks, Recreation and Golf, Tri-County Health and the Boys & Girls Club.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Carolyn Keith
Staff Member Presenting: Brian McBroom
Financial Impact: Minimal for signage (unknown cost at this point)
Funding Source: General fund
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council approve Ordinance 2015, amending chapter 12 of the Commerce City revised municipal code to prohibit the use of electronic smoking devices in city buildings.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve Ordinance 2015