Electronic cigarettes get the gavel at the Westoreland County courthouse

Westmoreland County courthouse workers and visitors trying to quit smoking by using electronic cigarettes will have to go outside with the rest of the smokers. County commissioners on Thursday updated the county's smoking ban to include electronic cigarettes, devices that emit water vapor to simulate cigarette smoke.

The ban includes other smokeless devices that mimic traditional lighted tobacco products such as cigarettes. Court officials had complained that several visitors were using the electronic smokes in the courtrooms. The current policy prohibits all smoking in the courthouse and limits it to designated areas outside the building.