Dayton open to indoor e-cig ban

Gov. Mark Dayton said today that he would not veto a bill that would ban the use of e-cigarettes in public indoor spaces, if it is passed by the Legislature.

Members of the House and Senate are debating whether to apply the state's Clean Indoor Air Act to e-cigarettes, so that they would be treated just like regular cigarettes. Under the act, smoking is banned in bars, restaurants and most other indoor public spaces and workplaces.

Although the Senate bill applies the restrictions to e-cigarettes, the House bill is less restrictive. Dayton said he has concerns about the measure but is open to accepting it.

"I agree with the goal of it but I thought the strategy of it was a bit overreaching for this session," Dayton said. "If that's the will of the Legislature, I'm not going to [veto it].  And I do strongly support the first section which is putting restrictions on the availability for minors. With that in there, I'd sign it or let it become law."

Supporters of the ban say the vapor emitted from e-cigarettes could be harmful. Opponents of the ban say there is no scientific evidence that the e-cigarette vapor causes harm.

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