Metro Council Committee Advances Proposal To Ban E-Cigarettes, Hookah

A Louisville Metro Council committee has advanced a proposed ordinance that seeks to amend the city’s smoking ban to include electronic cigarettes and hookah.

The measure would prohibit electronic cigarettes and hookah use from buildings open to the public and establishments in which people work.

Local legislators also made a last minute adjustment to the ordinance which would allow customers to sample electronic cigarette flavors inside vape shops before they purchase products. These samples must not include nicotine, however, under the proposal.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer issued a statement in favor of the council’s action and urged the full council to adopt the measure during its regular meeting next week.
“Improving our city’s health is a top priority for city government, and I’m pleased that an ordinance to add e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban has moved forward. This compromise by the Metro Council committee will help improve health by limiting second-hand smoke while also being mindful of vape and hookah businesses. I encourage the entire Metro Council to pass this important bill when it convenes on May 11 and I thank Councilwomen Barbara Shanklin and Vicki Welch for their leadership on this effort.”