Connecticut Enacts Act Restricting E-Cigarettes

The state of Connecticut has passed a new law (Public Act 15-206) that imposes restrictions on the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products in various establishments and public areas. As defined in the law, an “electronic nicotine delivery system” is a device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery of nicotine or other substances to a person inhaling from the device. A “vapor product” (e-cigarette)  is defined as a product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit or other electronic, chemical or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine, hat is inhaled by the user of such product.

Government buildings, retail food store, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools are just some of the establishments where e-smoking is prohibited. For these places, employers are required to display signs that indicate that the use of electronic nicotine delivery system or vapor product is prohibited by law. The sign must include letters that are at least four inches high and one-half inch wide. Elevators, restaurants, establishments that sell alcohol, hotels, motels, and health care institutions are exempt from this size requirement. Failure to display required signs or violating provisions of the new law may result in infractions.

Connecticut employers covered by the Public Act 15-206 can stay compliant by purchasing CPC’s Connecticut Smoke Free Poster.