MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Vaping will soon be treated the same as smoking in many public places across Alabama under a new state law taking effect Oct. 1.
Senate Bill 9 expands Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act to include electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The law was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this year and becomes effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Under the change, vaping will be prohibited anywhere smoking is already prohibited under the state law. The restriction applies whether the vaping liquid contains nicotine, THC or another substance.
Public places covered under Alabama’s indoor air law include areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, courtrooms, theaters, museums, restaurants, educational facilities, shopping malls, government buildings, sports and recreational facilities, airports, banks, retail stores and other service establishments. Private residences are not considered public places under the law.
The change does not create a separate set of rules specifically for vaping. Instead, electronic vaping devices are being added to the legal definition of smoking, meaning the same restrictions that apply to cigarettes, cigars and pipes will also apply to vaping devices.
Some locations and designated areas may remain exempt under provisions already included in Alabama’s indoor smoking law.
Violations can result in civil penalties. According to the Legislature’s fiscal analysis of SB9, penalties can reach up to $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second violation and $200 for subsequent violations.
The law also renames the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act as the Vivian Davis Figures Clean Indoor Air Act.
For Alabamians who vape, the biggest change beginning Oct. 1 is simple: If smoking is prohibited at a public place, vaping will be prohibited there as well.
