San Antonio Expands Smoking Ban to Include Vaping Starting January 2025

San Antonio Shakes Things Up: Smoking Ban Expands to Vaping in 2025

Big news for the folks down in San Antonio! If you’re a vaper, you might want to pay attention. In an effort to improve public health, the San Antonio City Council has just put its stamp of approval on a new amendment to the city’s smoking ordinance that expands smoking bans to include Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs), which many of us know as e-cigarettes or vapes. Mark your calendars, because this revised ordinance is set to kick in on January 1, 2025.

What Does This Mean for You?

So, why the change? The council is aiming to safeguard the well-being of both employees and patrons from harmful substances that can come from smoking as well as secondhand vapor. Sounds like a good deal for everyone, right? Currently, the smoking ordinance—which was first established back in 2011—already prohibits smoking in various enclosed public spaces. Under the revised rules, vaping will now join the ranks of tobacco smoking where it’s off-limits.

Expanding the No-Smoke Zone

Under the new ordinance, you won’t be able to fire up your e-cigarette in the same places you can’t smoke traditional cigarettes. This means no vaping in places like the San Antonio Zoo, outdoor sports venues, stadiums, and even the kids’ playgrounds in city parks. Also, vapers will have to keep their distance—20 feet away from all public transportation spots. Yikes!

Here’s a rundown of what’s currently off-limits for smokers, and now vapers:

• Enclosed public places
• Outdoor areas at the San Antonio Zoo
• All outdoor sports arenas and stadiums
• Pavilions and playgrounds in parks
• Within 20 feet of public transport stations/platforms

How Will Violators Be Penalized?

If you think about breaking these rules, be aware that the penalties can hit your wallet hard! The first offense could lead to a fine of up to $200, but those fines increase for repeat offenders—up to $500 for a second offense and a whopping $2,000 for a third or greater offense. Ouch!

Exceptions to the Rules

Of course, there are some exceptions to the fine print. Places like designated smoking rooms in hotels, private residences, and certain outdoor seating areas in restaurants can still allow for vaping and smoking. Retail tobacco stores and tobacco product manufacturing facilities also get a pass. That’s good news for businesses that cater to smokers, right?

What’s Next?

With the upcoming changes, businesses where smoking is prohibited will need to adjust their signage. They’ll have to display the electronic smoking device icon prominently, alongside traditional cigarette icons. This way, patrons will be clearly warned about the restrictions before lighting up—that includes both the smoke and the vapor!

And if you spot someone flouting these new guidelines? You can report it by calling 311 or (210) 207-6000. The city is stepping up to protect everyone’s health, after all.

The Bigger Picture

It’s worth noting that San Antonio has been a trailblazer in raising the legal age to buy tobacco to 21, making it the first city in Texas to do so back in 2018. This latest ordinance is part of a continuing effort to create a healthier community for everyone, young and old. Vaping has definitely become popular, but it seems local leaders are taking a stand to ensure that it’s not negatively impacting those who choose to stay smoke-free.

So there you have it, San Antonio! Get ready for a smoke-free vibe that extends right into the vapor clouds, starting in 2025!