The Fishers City Council unanimously changed the local code to treat vaping the same as using tobacco products on city property, essentially banning it unless city officials choose to designate an area for vaping & smoking at specific events.

Fishers City Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot told council members this change will bring city ordinances in line with rules already in place by the Hamilton Southeastern School District.

Council President Todd Zimmerman allowed the public to comment on the proposal before the vote, and there were two people choosing to speak.

A vaping shop owner expressed his concern about vaping being lumped in with tobacco products.  He argued many of his customers have used vaping as a way to quit tobacco-related products like cigarettes.

A second speaker, identifying herself as a representative of Smoke Free Hamilton County, expressed support for the new vaping rules.  She was concerned about the spread of vaping in local schools.