Westchester BOL Bans Indoor E-Cig Use
The Westchester Board of Legislators voted unanimously last week to include electronic cigarettes in the County’s Smoke Free Work Site Law.
The smoke free work site law also prohibits smoking in dining areas of all restaurants including bars and bar areas. This law, passed in 2003, was intended to safeguard non-smokers from the negative impacts of second hand smoke.
According to research used by the BOL and noted in an e-newsletter circulated by Legislator Benjamin Boykin (D-White Plains) a co-sponsor of the bill presented by Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), studies have shown that the chemicals in the vapor released from electronic cigarettes have some negative side effects on those in surrounding areas of their users. The secondary goal of the legislation is to reduce the appeal of these products to children and teens.
In presenting the bill Borgia stated concern that these products are often marketed to a younger audience through the use of child-friendly flavors like bubble gum or cotton candy. By reducing the amount of exposure that young people have to these vapors, they will not feel intrigued by a familiar, pleasant scent and look to start using themselves.
“This law does not prohibit adults from using electronic cigarettes. However people working in the next cubicle, or eating at a restaurant next to a person using an electronic cigarette, or workers in food establishments should not be exposed to the potentially dangerous products being emitted from these devices,” Boykin said in his e-newsletter.
The Legislation will go into effect immediately and will be enforced by the County’s Department of Health.
