By Kitsap Sun Staff BREMERTON - The Kitsap Public Health District will hold three workshops this month to take comments on a draft ordinance that would regulate vaping. The proposed rules would prohibit vaping in public places - similar to rules for cigarette smoking - and prohibit minors from buying and possessing vaping products. The ordinance also would restrict how retailers provide sampling and require retailers to obtain permits. The Kitsap Public Health Board is considering the ordinance in response to a rapid increase in vaping and vaping product retailers. Vaping devices use heat to vaporize liquids, which are flavored and often contain some amount of nicotine. The vapor is inhaled by users. The vaping industry is almost entirely unregulated, though a few Washington counties have enacted local rules. Public input workshops are scheduled for March 10 at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton, March 21 at Port Orchard City Hall and March 29 at Poulsbo City Hall. The workshops run 6-7:30 p.m. In addition to the workshops, comments can be submitted online at kitsappublichealth.org/vaping, by phone at 360-337-5293, or by mail to Kitsap Public Health District, ATTN: Vaping Ordinance Feedback, 345 Sixth St., Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337.
