E-Cigs Now Banned at GT Civic Center

April 25, 2015

At its regularly monthly meeting this week, the Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Commission reversed a vote from June and banned the use of electronic cigarettes on the grounds of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. The prohibition of electronic cigarettes is now part of the park's Tobacco-Free policy enacted in 2010 and went into effect immediately. The final commission vote was 5-4 (1 commissioner absent).

The commissioners in support emphasized the addictive quality of nicotine, that the vaping system can also be used for the delivery of illegal drugs and alcohol, and the family atmosphere of the park. Those opposed cited an infringement of people's rights in a public, outdoor space and a desire to wait for the state legislature to take action on regulating electronic cigarettes – including their sale to minors and/or identifying them as a legally-defined tobacco product.

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