Let's Keep Pushing Back on Proposed E-Cigarette Ban in Chicago

Supporters of the proposed ban on e-cigarettes in Chicago, which would classify them as "tobacco" products and subject them to the same restrictions as burning-leaf tobacco, have not been discouraged by the considerable push back by Chicago aldermen and their constituents. The measure was proposed by Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and is strongly supported by prominent Nanny State Fascist, Alderman Ed Burke, 14th Ward.

So far, there has been a lot of spirited resistance, notably from 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, who puffed on his e-cigarette in council chambers and stated that the devices were aiding him in ending his smoking habit.

Let's keep pushing back. In spite of exerting itself to the utmost to find a reason to regulate and restrict the use of e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine, the FDA has not been able to establish that the use of e-cigarettes harms the user or persons near him.The user exhales water vapor, not smoke, which is by and large odorless and harmless to persons nearby. Supporters of a ban report that some people are "annoyed" by the use of the devices in public place, while others rail that the products are being marketed to children, because of the prevalence of candy-flavored e-liquids, though all sites and outlets marketing the cigarettes and e-liquids restrict purchases to those age 18 and over.

 Those who support the ban are trying to have the Joint Committee on Health and Environmental Justice & Finance vote on the proposed ordinance tomorrow, January 13, at 11:00 AM.

You can voice your opposition to this unwarranted intrusion into our lives and businesses by writing or calling your alderman. If you don't know who your alderman is, go to City of Chicago and type in your address. You will be provided with a link to your alderman's page with contact information.