Alabama vaping ban in public places takes effect Oct. 1

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Starting Oct. 1, it will be against the law in Alabama to vape in public places.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, one in four Alabamians either smoke or vape.

Read Senate Bill 9 by clicking this link

The ban is just like the ban on smoking cigarettes; it applies to public places like stores, stadiums and restaurants.

“This is a wonderful thing for the state of Alabama and we’re so pleased from the standpoint of protecting health and safety,” said Dr. Scott Harris, state health officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, said he wanted to see the bill become law after an experience at a middle school football game.

He said a person nearby was vaping and was surprised to find out it was legal to vape in a public place with other people nearby.

“This issue was created a ballgame knowing that people around me was affected by vaping by the fumes that was left there by this one individual,” said Sen. Allen.

Vaping is newer than smoking cigarettes or cigars but State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said the legislation is an attempt at getting ahead on addressing potential impacts of second-hand ingestion and exposure to vape smoke.

“While the long-term health effect of vaping continues to be studied by us, we know that this is not good for our public health,” said Rep. Drummond.

Students at Alabama schools are already banned from vaping but the new law will also restrict adults from vaping in any educational facilities across the state.

“Not only are we going to take this very seriously for our young people, but we’re going to take it very seriously for the people visiting our campus,” said Dr. Eric Mackey, state superintendent of education.

Businesses and individuals can be fined for violating the new law.

If you are interested in quitting smoking, you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get connected with resources from the state’s public health department.

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