Philadelphia's Ban On 'Vaping' In Public Goes Into Effect Today
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia's ban on using e-cigarettes in public places is now in effect.
As of this morning, no more using e-cigs -- or "vaping" -- in public places, such as bars, restaurants or workplaces in the city.
It's all part of a law signed by Mayor Nutter in April (see related story) that grouped the e-cigarettes and all similar devices into the existing ban on public smoking.
Out puffing on an e-cig this morning, Chad Doberstein from Northern Liberties says he's okay with the new law.
"I think it's reasonable. People get upset, (but) I don't think you need to smoke it inside. I just want to be able to keep smoking it (outside)."
He worries they'll ban the flavors, which he says helped get him off cigarettes. He's also concerned that there will soon be taxes on e-cigarettes.
When he signed this law, Mayor Nutter also signed a ban on selling e-cigs to minors, that law went into effect immediately.