Vaping ban defeated in Ansonia - CT Post

ANSONIA — An ordinance designed to ban vaping from the city’s athletic fields, parks and recreation centers was defeated unanimously following an impassioned plea by two city residents who use the electronic devices to help them kick their smoking habit.

After listening to the pitch from Lynne Schwarzenberg and Tommie Howell of Hubbell Avenue, Alderman Pat Henri proposed eliminating vaping devices from the series of banned tobacco substances from some of the city’s public spaces.

“I intended to vote for the ban, but they convinced me otherwise,” said Henri, a 6th Ward alderman. “My thinking is, we don't have to jump on this now. If problems come down the road, we can amend the ordinance.”

Vaping involves an electronic device which heats a flavored liquid often containing small amounts of nicotine. The user inhales and exhales water vapor.

Joan Radin, a 5th Ward alderman and pharmacist who supported the inclusion of vaping in the ban on smoking and chewing tobacco products, was unable to attend the meeting because of an illness.

The remaining items in the ban carry a $50 penalty.