Tobacco Enforcement

Schenectady County is responsible for enforcing public health laws related to tobacco control across the entire county. Keeping indoor air free from tobacco smoke and vaping and preventing the sale of these products to individuals under 21 can reduce tobacco-related illnesses and deaths while keeping our communities healthy and strong.

 

graphic: This area is Smoke Free & Vape Free

Clean Indoor Air Act

The Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits the smoking of tobacco, cannabis, and the use of vapor products in nearly all indoor and certain outdoor public areas and workplaces.  The main goal of this act is to protect people from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and to create healthier indoor environments.

Learn More About the Act
photo: three teens sitting together in a park and smiling.

Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act

Nearly all smokers started when they were teenagers. Keeping young people from smoking and vaping can save lives, prevent addiction, and better support their growth and long-term health. NYS Public Health Law, Section 1399-cc prohibits the sale of tobacco and vaping products to individuals under the age of 21.

Learn More About ATUPA

File a Complaint

Schenectady County actively enforces tobacco control laws. If you see the sale of tobacco or vape products to an individual under the age of 21, file a complaint online. 

Submit Complaint

You must create an account for Schenectady County or log in with an existing account to access the form.

What does the law say?

The sale of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, powdered tobacco, shisha, other tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, liquid nicotine, electronic cigarettes, flavored vapor products, rolling papers, or smoking paraphernalia to persons under 21 years of age is illegal.

Comply with the law, protect your business, and be a good neighbor. Do NOT sell tobacco or vape products to individuals under 21 years of age.  Review the New York State Guide for Retail Tobacco and Vapor Product Dealers.

 

View ATUPA Violations in Schenectady County

Education & Resources

Parents: Be Aware of the Dangers of e-cigs

27% of New York High School Students are Using E-cigarettes
27% of New York High School Students are Using E-cigarettes
Tobacco companies always need new customers. That is why they target kids with candy flavored tobacco in e-cigs. 7 out of 10 kids are exposed to e-cigarette ads and use among teens is skyrocketing. Learn More at health.ny.gov/NoVape.

All tobacco use is harmful! Did you know that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death? More people die from the effects of smoking than alcohol and illegal drug use, car accidents, gun incidents, and HIV combined. 

Smoking can cause death and diseases like:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Cancer
  • COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Cataracts and Mascular Degeneration
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Learn more about Cigarette Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

Quitting Smoking is Good For Your Health & Everyone Around You

Quitting smoking and vaping is difficult because of the addictive nicotine levels found in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. But, you can do it and you are not alone. Help and support are available from New York State, and most Health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover smoking cessation treatments. 

New York State Smokers Quitline

Call 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487), text (716) 309-4688, or visit online at https://www.nysmokefree.com