The Cary Town Council met Thursday to consider an amendment that would extend the town’s 2007 smoking ordinance to cover electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Under the proposed change, the use of e‑cigarettes would be prohibited in town‑owned buildings, vehicles, parks, and enclosed public spaces such as retail stores.

Vote outcome

The amendment required five affirmative votes to pass. Councilmembers cast four “yes” votes and two “no” votes, leaving the measure short of the required majority. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Sarika Bansal were the two dissenting votes.

Mayor’s position

Mayor Weinbrecht, who voted against the amendment, said he supports a tobacco‑free environment but wanted to ensure the council was fully aligned before moving forward. “I want it to go down in the history books as a unanimous vote,” he explained, indicating a desire for clear consensus rather than a split decision.

Councilmember Bansal’s concerns

Councilmember Bansal also voted no, citing a lack of data on the health impacts of vaping. “I cannot support it in its entirety because I have not seen any data on this,” she said, urging the council to gather more information before adopting the rule.

Public input

Despite the council’s split, several members of the public voiced strong support for a stricter policy. One speaker during the public comment period said, “A 100% tobacco‑free policy sends a clear and consistent message,” emphasizing the community’s desire for a healthier public environment.

What happens next?

The council indicated that another vote on the amendment could be scheduled as soon as the next regular meeting. If the amendment passes at that time, the new rules would take effect on July 1 of the following year. Violators of the existing ordinance can be fined up to $50, and the same penalty would apply under the expanded rules.

Context

Cary’s current ordinance already bans smoking in town‑owned buildings and vehicles. The proposed amendment would simply broaden that prohibition to include vaping devices, aligning the town’s policy with a growing number of municipalities that are addressing the rise of electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Stakeholders on both sides of the issue will likely continue to present data and arguments as the council prepares for a possible re‑vote. The outcome will shape how Cary balances public‑health concerns with individual liberty in public spaces.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.