A new City of Mesa ordinance that updates the City Code to add vaping and the use of vaping devices to existing citywide no-smoking regulations will go into effect on June 9. The ordinance prohibits vaping in the same manner and places where smoking tobacco is prohibited, which includes City facilities and in certain public places and places of employment. The Mesa City Council approved the ordinance at a City Council meeting on Dec. 9, 2019.
"There has been extensive research regarding the negative health effects of vaping and inhaling second-hand vapors that led the Mesa City Council to support changing our smoking ordinance to include vaping," Mayor John Giles said. "I'm proud that Mesa is joining the growing number of cities nationwide taking action to protect the public."
The change to the City Code was a result of residents contacting the Mayor and City Council to express their concerns about vaping, the unknown long-term health impacts, second-hand exposure in public places and possible health effects for youth.
The new rules do not impact an adult's individual choice to use or buy vaping devices and materials, nor do the new rules impact existing vaping shops that have separate ventilation. One exception is for smoking or vaping lounges/bars that allow ongoing, more intensive vaping and may require additional air circulation.
Other Arizona cities, including Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear, Tucson and Flagstaff, have also implemented vaping regulations.
More information is available at https://library.municode.com/az/mesa/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1002306