Dallas to enforce a citywide vaping ban starting soon

On December 11, 2025, a new ordinance banning vaping in locations where traditional smoking is already prohibited will take effect in Dallas, Texas. The measure was approved by the Dallas City Council, reflecting an ongoing commitment to enhance air quality and protect the public's health. The ordinance will close a regulatory gap by including vaping devices under existing smoking restrictions. This decision is the culmination of advocacy from the Dallas Environmental Commission and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, both of which have expressed concerns about the escalating use of vaping among youths and its potential health implications. The ordinance amends the Dallas City Code, specifically the definition of 'smoking,' to encompass electronic vaping devices. This inclusive definition aligns with current regulations on smoking, which restrict activity in all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances, and on park property. Further compliance measures necessitate that restaurants, hotels, fitness centers, and other businesses update their signage to clearly indicate the prohibition of both smoking and vaping on their premises. Kathy Stewart, a council member and chair of the Parks, Trails, and the Environment Committee, strongly endorsed the ordinance, emphasizing the serious public health risks that vaping poses to vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Her support reflects a growing concern among community leaders regarding the impacts of vaping on public health, particularly among youth. Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert also reiterated the importance of this decision, stating that it will enhance protections for residents against the harmful effects of electronic smoking devices. Health experts, including those from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have consistently remarked on the health risks associated with vaping, particularly concerning second-hand exposure to aerosols. The city of Dallas has positioned this ordinance as part of a broader comprehensive environmental and climate action plan aimed at safeguarding the health of its residents. With this ordinance, Dallas joins other cities in a nationwide trend to regulate vaping more strictly as public awareness of its health implications continues to increase.