Mankato bans e-cigs in most indoor places

The Mankato City Council has voted to ban electronic cigarettes in most indoor places in town.

By a 6-1 vote, the council approved the ban Monday night. The ordinance will take effect in slightly more than a month.

A dozen residents asked the council to treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes and cigars, the Free Press reported.

E-cigarettes use a smoke-free process to deliver vaporized nicotine to users. Opponents claim the devices, which offer flavors such as bubble gum or cotton candy, are aimed at young people and might prove dangerous to users and people who breathe in secondhand vapor.

Dr. Steve Penkhus, a physician at the Mankato Clinic, said the devices are aimed at delivering nicotine and that sellers of e-cigarettes are claiming they are a healthy alternative to smoking without scientific evidence that the chemicals being inhaled are safe.

"The marketing is just plain unethical," Penkhus said.

Others argued the ban will infringe on personal freedom and private property rights and that there is no proof e-cigarettes are dangerous.

"It's nowhere near as harmful as tobacco," said Pete Lamkin of Janesville, a former smoker and a representative for e-cigarette advocacy groups. "I challenge you to lead the way in good science and common sense, not fear."

In 2006, the Mankato council gave voters the opportunity to adopt the Clean Indoor Air Act banning smoking in bars, restaurants, indoor workplaces and most other public indoor spaces. The Minnesota Legislature eventually imposed a statewide ban on smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces.

Councilman Mark Frost suggested it could happen again with e-cigarettes.

"Hopefully, that will be the outcome this time," Frost said.

The ban will take effect 30 days after the city publishes the new ordinance.