There soon will be new “no vaping” signs popping up around the City of Dallas as an anti-vaping policy goes into place, which bans any type of electronic smoking device.
And there are several key components of the policy that will impact families.
The electronic smoking device ban will be in effect — starting on Dec. 11 — in all of the same places that people can’t smoke in Dallas. It was approved nearly a year ago in an effort to give businesses and residents time to prepare.
This ordinance will make it unlawful for people to smoke cigarettes as well as all types of electronic smoking devices in certain spots, including parks and splash pads.
Why Dallas is banning vaping
Simply put, they are trying to create a safer environment, especially in places where families gather.
“This ordinance fortifies the City’s commitment to restrict vaping in public spaces after collaboration with our community partners and identifying the negative health effects of vaping aerosol exposure,” said City Manager Kimberly Tolbert in the city’s press release announcing the ordinance.
This is what families in Dallas need to know
For many of the places that families visit, there will be new signage come December that will make it clear that vaping is no longer allowed. Here are some of the most family-friendly spots that will be impacted:
- At parks and playgrounds: You won’t be able to smoke or use electronic smoking devices in places like play areas, splash pads, and sports fields.
- At restaurants and family venues: Indoor areas and outdoor patios near playgrounds or dining spaces will continue to prohibit smoking and now the use of electronic smoking devices is added to that list.
- At schools and childcare centers: People already can’t vape or use electronic smoking devices around schools and childcare facilities, so the Dallas law just reaffirms that rule.
- At home-based childcare: If your family uses a private home daycare, that kind of business also falls under this new law and vaping will not be permitted.
According to the city, there aren’t any new locations being added to the current smoking ban. This new law just now doesn’t allow vaping at these locations either.
How the vaping ordinance impacts Dallas businesses
Business owners and property managers are required under the new ordinance to update their signage to include the “no vaping” and/or use of electronic smoking devices.
With the ordinance going in place in December, it’s likely families will start seeing businesses featuring updated signage at places they frequent.
How does Dallas compare to other Texas cities?
The other major metros in Texas are a little ahead of Dallas when it comes to their vaping policies. However, with the Dallas ordinance going into place, the largest cities in Texas are aligned to protect residents against secondary exposure to potentially harmful substances, deter respiratory irritation, positively impact indoor air quality, and further support the non-smoking policy in buildings.
Here’s what Austin, Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio have in place:
- Austin: Vaping isn’t allowed in most enclosed public spaces and near entrances.
- Houston and Fort Worth: Their policies cover indoor areas and workplaces.
- San Antonio: In 2024, there were changes made to their ordinance prohibiting vape shops from opening near schools and daycare centers.
How Dallas families can protect the environment they share
Outside of the obvious health concerns, there are pollution issues that arise from cigarette butts and vaping that impact Texas waterways.
According to the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Action on Smoking and Health, cellulose acetate, which is what most cigarette filters are made from, can take up to 15 years to decompose. What happens over time is that those filters break down into microplastics that eventually end up in waterways. Always dispose of cigarette butts in trash containers or carry a pocket ashtray if proper disposal is not readily available. Tossing the litter on the ground is devastating to our ecosystems.
For proper disposal of electronic smoking devices, visit EPA’s E-Cigarette Disposal Information. Due to the lithium batteries and nicotine in these devices, they are considered hazardous waste and cannot be placed in household trash or recycling. Nicotine is also harmful to animals, such as cats, dogs, fish and other aquatic organisms. The best place to dispose of electronic smoking devices and lithium batteries is at the local hazardous waste collection site. Dallas County offers these services free for participating cities at 11234 Plano Road, Dallas – 214/553-1765.
“We’re all connected through our environment,” Angela Hodges Gott, Director, Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability. “Keeping our parks, creeks, and rivers clean is something every family benefits from. When we reduce vaping and smoking litter, we’re protecting Dallas for our kids.”
For more details or to view the ordinance, visit dallasclimateaction.com.
DFWContent Studio for City of Dallas
