Spokane considers vaping ban in public places

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Spokane health officials are seeking to extend prohibitions on smoking in public places to vaping devices.

The Spokesman-Review reports (http://goo.gl/iAeuUD ) that the proposed regulation would ban vaping in indoor public spaces, even at businesses that sell the devices.

If Spokane enacts the proposed ban, it would join about a half-dozen Washington counties that have adopted similar rules, such as King and Snohomish counties.

The health district's Paige McGowan says counties are reacting to health concerns about vaping, including its growing influence on teens.

The Washington Vape Association's chairman, Joe Baba, says counties should hold off on adopting the rules until the state takes a stance on the issue.

The Washington Legislature considered licensing requirements for vaping retailers last year, but the proposal didn't become law.