ARVADA — The Arvada City Council passed an ordinance Monday night banning the use of electronic cigarettes in public places.

The council voted 5-2 to place the devices under the tobacco code, which means the same laws that apply to traditional tobacco products will also apply to electronic delivery systems, like e-cigarettes and vaporizers.

Councilmembers Bob Fifer and Don Allard were the two “no” votes.

The vote also added taxicabs, light rail trains, vans and public transit platforms to the definition of “public place.”

Dozens of people spoke out Monday night. Electronic-cigarette supporters said they are a tool to help smokers quit and pose little public risk. Opponents said they can be used to hide illegal narcotics and the risks are still unknown.

One resident, John Malito, said other cities have banned the devices, and if Arvada failed to do so, it could become a vaping mecca.

“I’m afraid Arvada could become a vaping destination and we would see the proliferation of hookah lounges,” Malito added.

A handful of residents, including a few owners of vaping businesses, said they supported parts of the ordinance like not selling to underage youth or using the devices in public.

They pleaded with council, however, to remove a section of the ordinance prohibiting the use of the devices in any tobacco-related business, meaning customers couldn’t test different e-juice flavors or devices in the stores.

“Banning vaping inside our stores will cause a tremendous detriment to our entire community and to public health in general,” said Sari Isaak, a self-described representative for the vaping community.

Council members debated for about an hour after public comment and voted for an exemption allowing use of the devices in vaping businesses.

Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs