Tempe City Council Approves Regulation of E-Cigarette Use

Tempe, Arizona – The Tempe City Council has approved modifications to its smoking ordinance that will restrict the use of electronic cigarettes in public settings. Traditional cigarettes have been banned in public places in the city since 2002.

Tempe is believed to be the first city in Arizona to regulate the use of e-cigarettes. 

Public hearings were held by the City Council on June 26 and last night, when the changes were approved by the Council. 

The changes include prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed, public places such as bars, restaurants, schools and more. The restriction does not apply to use in private homes or at e-cigarette retail locations. The ordinance does not restrict the sale of e-cigarettes. 

The changes began as an effort of a City Council working group that included Mayor Mark Mitchell and Councilmembers Joel Navarro and Robin Arredondo-Savage. The Council consented during its May 19 Committee of the Whole meeting to have the three Councilmembers explore ordinance modifications. 

The city had received letters of support from the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Arizona Public Health Association, the Tempe Tourism Office and the Downtown Tempe Community. Residents of Tempe and other communities also attended both public hearings to voice support for and opposition to the measure. 

The revised ordinance will take effect in 30 days.