Austin Officials Approve Electronic Cigarette Ban

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) - Austin is the latest city in Minnesota to ban the public use of electronic cigarettes.

The Austin City Council voted Monday to approve an ordinance that prohibits e-cigarettes from places where smoking already is prohibited.

Austin joins Minneapolis, Duluth, Bloomington and Edina in banning the devices in public places.

Reports say the new ordinance in Austin replaces a moratorium on e-cigarettes that expires April 1. It also will apply to hookahs and other smoking devices.

E-cigarettes are popular devices that vaporize nicotine.