E-cigarette law takes effect today in New York

Enacted in 1989 and last amended in October 2017, the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), Public Health Law, Article 13-E, prohibits the smoking of tobacco (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipe or any other matter or substance containing tobacco) in nearly all indoor and certain outdoor public and work places. Effective November 22, 2017, the law also applies to vaping, which is the use of electronic cigarettes and similar devices. Exemptions are allowed for cigar bars in existence prior to December 31, 2002, for organizations that do not have employees and, effective November 22, 2107, retail electronic cigarette stores, provided that such stores only permit the use of electronic cigarettes. Municipalities may enact local laws that are stronger than state law.