Lindenhurst bans use of electronic cigarettes in public buildings

Lindenhurst has banned the use of electronic cigarettes in public buildings in the village.

The village board earlier this month unanimously approved the new policy targeting e-cigarettes, in which a liquid solution containing nicotine is heated and vaporized, producing an aerosol that mimics tobacco smoke. The regulation falls under the village's restrictions on smoking and states that the use of e-cigarettes "of any kind" is prohibited inside all village-owned buildings and vehicles as well as within 50 feet of any entrance or window of a village building. Since the regulation is a policy and not a part of village code, there are no penalties for offenses, officials said.

Village Mayor Thomas Brennan said the amendment to the smoking policy came about after an incident in which someone was smoking an e-cigarette in Village Hall. "It could become an issue so we're trying to be proactive," he said.

Electronic cigarettes have been growing in popularity as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. The village's move comes as many municipalities begin to work out regulations for e-cigarettes, even as general no-smoking rules on Long Island have been expanded to public outdoor spaces, such as parks and beaches. Earlier this year, the City of Glen Cove added electronic cigarettes to its regulations on tobacco and barred the sale of them to anyone under 19 years old.

In New York City, it is illegal to use e-cigarettes in any location where smoking is already prohibited, such as bars, restaurants and parks. In addition, this year several bills were introduced in the State Legislature calling for a ban of e-cigarettes in public indoor spaces where smoking is prohibited.