Utah Sees Rise in Teen Use of E Cigarettes

Many groups throughout the state are expressing concern about Utah teens and their increased use of e cigarettes. Both school authorities and lawmakers are discussing the possibility of educational and legislative actions that will crack down on teens using e cigarettes.

One Utah School District’s Ban

In fact, the Weber school district has banned the use of e cigarettes in addition to traditional tobacco-based products. The Weber district noted that teens who violate the ban can be suspended and may find themselves in juvenile court for violating the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act.

Smoking Prohibitions in Utah

Under the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed indoor places that have public access and are publicly owned. That restriction doesn’t apply in the following situations:

• Non-public areas of an owner-operated business (with no other employees)
• Guest rooms in hotels, motels, etc.
• Separate enclosed smoking areas of certain passenger terminals in international airports that are vented to the outdoors and certified by an engineer to not transfer air to other areas of the airport

The current penalties for violating the Clean Air Act are civil and include

• Up to $100 fine for the first violation
• $100-$500 fine for any additional violations

The use of e cigarettes is a controversial issue; e cigarettes do contain nicotine and are potentially addictive, but then again drinking caffeinated beverages may also cause a caffeine addiction—and those aren’t illegal. What do you think? There are probably as many opinions on the use of e cigarettes as there are people in Utah.

Talk to a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

If you have a teen who gets on the wrong side of Utah law, don’t hesitate to talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney. Utah teens have rights too, and it can take an experienced attorney to make sure that kids’ rights are upheld. Make that important call today.