Maine To Ban Electronic Cigarettes In Public Places

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A law that prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in the same public places where smoking is banned is set to take effect in the coming days.

The new law bans electronic cigarettes in places such as restaurants, playgrounds and beaches where traditional cigarettes are prohibited. The law goes into effect on Thursday.

Maine House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe, a Skowhegan Democrat, says the law is "a matter of public health." He says the law will prevent children, seniors and others who are sensitive to smoke and vapor from exposure to them.

Maine restaurants went smoke-free in 2004 and other areas followed five years later.

Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine and use a battery-powered vaporizer to turn liquid containing nicotine into vapor.