Beginning October 1, Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act will expand its definition of smoking to include vaping in enclosed public spaces.
The policy change stems from a law enacted during Alabama’s 2026 Legislative Session that amended the Clean Indoor Air Act’s definition of smoking.
Senate Bill 9, sponsored by state Senator Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, amends the act’s definition of smoking to include the use of an electronic nicotine delivery device and renames the Clean Indoor Air Act the Vivian Davis Figures and Barbara Drummond Clean Indoor Air Act.
The law applies to enclosed public spaces, including but not limited to auditoriums, elevators, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, courtrooms, jury waiting rooms and deliberation rooms, theaters, museums, common areas of retirement homes, restaurants, laundromats, health facilities, educational facilities, shopping malls, government buildings, sports and recreational facilities, places of employment, airports, banks, retail stores and service establishments.
Private residences are not considered public spaces under the law.
In a series of statements released last week by the Alabama Department of Public Health, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, Allen and Drummond described the law as a public health advancement aimed at promoting clean indoor air in public spaces.
“Creating healthier environments where Alabamians live, work, and gather is an important part of protecting public health,” Harris said. “Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and harmful chemicals from vaping in indoor public spaces is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of Alabamians. This law provides an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to healthier, smoke and vape-free environments across the state.”
Allen, who began carrying the Vivian Davis Figures Clean Indoor Air Act during the 2025 session, said the law seeks to further curb exposure to nicotine smoke or vapor in public spaces.
“Alabama has long recognized the importance of protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor public spaces,” Allen said. “This law brings electronic nicotine delivery systems under those same protections. We encourage businesses, organizations and individuals to familiarize themselves with the law before it takes effect October 1.”
Allen’s legislation was named in honor of state Senator Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, who sponsored the original Clean Indoor Air Act, enacted in 2003, and Drummond, who sponsored Alabama’s law banning the sale of nicotine products to people younger than 21 and led previous legislative efforts to further regulate electronic nicotine devices.
Drummond described the law as “an important step toward creating healthier environments” and “ensuring that every Alabamian can breathe cleaner air in public spaces.”
“We appreciate the support of the Alabama Legislature and the governor in adopting this important act to protect public places and promote clean air for Alabamians statewide,” Drummond said.
“Vaping poses serious concerns for public health, particularly for our young people. While the long-term health effects of vaping continue to be studied, we know enough to recognize the risks associated with nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful substances,” Drummond continued. “Protecting public health is not just about today—it is about safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.”
ADPH urged businesses and organizations covered by the Clean Indoor Air Act to ensure their smoking policies and signage accurately reflect the new requirements.
The department encouraged Alabama entities covered by the act to review their existing smoking policies and make any necessary changes before the law takes effect. The department also urged Alabamians who use electronic nicotine devices to be aware of the new requirements and respect no-smoking signs posted at covered locations.
