The Deliberative Council of Bahía Blanca has approved a new ordinance prohibiting the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes in public and official indoor spaces. This local law, passed by a majority vote on Wednesday, equates electronic nicotine delivery systems with traditional tobacco products to protect public health and ensure emission-free environments.
Initiated by councilor Carlos Alonso, the approved text targets all devices capable of vaporizing and inhaling liquids, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, flavorings, or other chemical substances. The municipal executive branch must now formalize and implement the regulation.
Under the new rules, vaping is restricted in several key areas across Bahía Blanca:
- Public and private healthcare facilities.
- Educational institutions at all levels.
- Government offices and public administration buildings.
- Public transportation vehicles, including semi-covered stations and stops.
- Enclosed commercial, gastronomic, cultural, and sports venues.
- Covered or semi-covered children’s play areas.
Beyond the physical restrictions, the ordinance bans the advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of these devices at public cultural, social, or sports events. Affected establishments must display visible signage indicating the restriction. Additionally, the local executive is tasked with running permanent awareness campaigns focused on the risks of vaping, particularly targeting youth and adolescents.
Local authorities justified the measure by citing medical warnings from organizations like the American Cancer Society. Health data shows that electronic cigarette aerosols are not harmless water vapor. Instead, they contain ultra-fine particles, nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin, which can cause lung irritation, heart disease, and cancer.
