Wednesday, the Dallas City Council approved a new ordinance aimed at enhancing air quality and safeguarding the health of residents by prohibiting vaping in places where smoking is already banned. The ordinance, which was proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), amends the definition of “smoking” in the Dallas City Code to include the use of electronic smoking devices (vaping). This measure effectively bans vaping in all locations currently prohibited for smoking.
The new ordinance will take effect on December 11, 2025, providing a one-year grace period for residents, business owners, and operators to come into compliance with the new rules.
The ordinance mirrors existing restrictions on smoking in specific areas, including all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances, and on park property. Importantly, this amendment does not add any new locations to the list of smoking and vaping restrictions.
In addition, the amendment requires businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices are prohibited.
“I am proud to work alongside my fellow councilmembers, in partnership with the Environmental Commission, to advance policy that makes sense. As we know, vaping is a serious public health matter impacting our youth and most vulnerable. I am pleased about today’s vote to enact these amendments,” said Kathy Stewart, Council Member for district 10 and Chair of the Parks, Trails, and the Environment Committee.
“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 Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert. “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.”
“Today’s action shows yet another way the City’s Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan protects the health of our residents.” said Carlos Evans, Director of OEQS.
This ordinance amendment has garnered widespread support from leading health organizations, including the 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, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Surgeon General, have consistently raised concerns about the health risks of both direct and second-hand exposure to vaping aerosols, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.
