Example video title will go here for this video

HOUSTON — A unanimous vote from the Houston City Council approved a ban on the use of e-cigarettes in most public places.

Electronic smoking products like e-cigs, vaping devices and electronic hookahs will not be allowed in the same areas that ban regular cigarettes.

The public ban will go into effect immediately. 

The Houston Health Department tells KHOU 11 that breaking the new rules could mean a ticket between $250-$2,000, but that they would educate people about the ordinance.

RELATED: Houston City Council to vote on banning e-cigarette use in certain public places

Cigarettes are prohibited in enclosed public places or workplaces, within 25 feet of a building entrance or exit doors, outdoor arenas and outdoor seating areas of public spectator events and covered bus stops and light rail stops.   

Currently, smoking is allowed in retail tobacco stores and private residences as long as they are not used at a childcare, adult daycare or health care facility.

BREAKING: Houston City Council unanimously votes to ban e-cigarette use in the same public places where regular cigarette usage is not allowed. More info on what the revision covers and where, plus why council members say it's needed: https://t.co/FqqSpEXkvt @khou

The Houston Health Department asked the City Council to include e-cig products in the city's smoking ordinance.

The department includes the CDC and FDA in their reasoning for the change. They say the use of e-cigarettes could have a negative effect on young people, even if they're not the ones smoking.

In their ordinance revision, Houston Health wrote, "While users inhale e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs, bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air."

READ FULL ORDINANCE REVISION HERE.

Adam Bennett on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings.