26:3D-56 Findings, declarations relative to smoking, use of electronic smoking devices in certain public places, workplaces.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the State and the nation;

b. Tobacco smoke constitutes a substantial health hazard to the nonsmoking majority of the public;

c. Electronic smoking devices have not been approved as to safety and efficacy by the federal Food and Drug Administration, and their use may pose a health risk to persons exposed to their smoke or vapor because of a known irritant contained therein and other substances that may, upon evaluation by that agency, be identified as potentially toxic to those inhaling the smoke or vapor;

d. The separation of smoking and nonsmoking areas in indoor public places and workplaces does not eliminate the hazard to nonsmokers if these areas share a common ventilation system;

e. The prohibition of smoking at public parks and beaches would better preserve and maintain the natural assets of this State by reducing litter and increasing fire safety in those areas, while lessening exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and providing for a more pleasant park or beach experience for the public; and

f. Therefore, subject to certain specified exceptions, it is clearly in the public interest to prohibit the smoking of tobacco products and the use of electronic smoking devices in all enclosed indoor places of public access and workplaces and at all public parks and beaches.

L.2005, c.383, s.2; amended 2009, c.182, s.1; 2018, c.64, s.1.