Ashland, Ky. vaporizes e-cigarette use

ASHLAND, Ky. (AP) -- Vaping in public places is now illegal in Ashland.

The Daily Independent reports the city's board of commissioners amended Ashland's anti-smoking ordinance Thursday after listening to arguments from both sides of the e-cigarette debate.

Amy Jeffers of Pathways Regional Prevention Center stood before the board and spoke out against vaping. She said vapor is actually an aerosol, and that second-hand aerosol can be a health risk.

Carl Wellman of Kentucky Smoke Free Association told the board that e-cigarettes can help aspiring quitters kick their smoking habit. He said equating vaping with smoking is a shortsighted decision by the city.

The commissioners briefly discussed but swiftly adopted the amendment. Commissioner Kevin Gunderson says the public ban wouldn't cast a restrictive net over vape shops.