Starting Thursday, Oct. 1, vaping will be banned in the same public places where Alabama already bans smoking. An update to the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, passed this spring as Senate Bill 9, adds electronic nicotine devices to the law, WTVM reported from Auburn.
Sen. Gerald Allen, who sponsored the bill, said the idea came to him when a parent vaped next to him at a middle school football game. He said the law covers ballparks, football stadiums, public buildings and libraries, but not private homes. Smoking in public indoor spaces has been banned in Alabama since 2003, and smoking has been banned on school campuses for more than 20 years; vaping was not covered until now.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey said that after Oct. 1, pulling out a vape at a local football game will be treated the same as lighting a cigarette. State Health Officer Scott Harris said about 14% of Alabamians smoke tobacco and about 10% vape regularly. The Alabama Department of Public Health says 8,000 to 9,000 Alabamians die each year from nicotine-related causes.
State officials urged businesses to update their policies and signs before the law takes effect.
Source: WTVM
Opelika Daily News — Thursday Report, Sept. 24, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
