Suffolk Lawmakers Vote to Ban E-Cigs in Public Spaces

The Suffolk Legislature Tuesday voted to ban the indoor use of electronic cigarettes in public buildings, a move it said makes the county the first jurisdiction in the nation to forbid the product.

The 12-1 vote, with four abstentions, puts the so-called e-cigarettes on par with traditional cigarettes, barring their use in Suffolk’s indoor public spaces.

“This vote signals that our local government will not hesitate to take steps to protect the next generation of Suffolk residents from the newest health risks,” said the bill’s sponsor, Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor).

Electronic cigarettes, which are battery-powered devices that typically look like a traditional cigarette, allow users to inhale doses of vaporized nicotine. Advocates tout them as safer than cigarettes, since there is no tobacco or smoke involved in ingesting the nicotine vapor. Electronic cigarettes have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Also Tuesday, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger sued to stop a Florida company from selling electronic cigarettes in his state. He accused the company, Smoking Everywhere, of making false claims and targeting unsafe products to children.

County Executive Steve Levy is “inclined to look favorably” on the bill, said spokesman Dan Aug.

Tuesday’s vote came after a dozen members of the Long Island Vapors Club, a group of e-cigarette enthusiasts, pleaded with legislators to spare their hobby from public restrictions.

But Cooper said the devices are dangerous and need to be barred from the county’s buildings. “They will be free to use these in the privacy of their own homes, but they will no longer be able to subject innocent people around them to these dangers,” he said.

Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk), who voted for the bill before changing his position to abstain after the vote total was announced, said he doesn’t believe electronic cigarettes are as dangerous as traditional cigarettes.

“This may be one of the best ways to quit smoking,” said Schneiderman, a hotel owner. “It might be good for the economy to create vapor lounges as well.” – With AP