(haipo) – The "Hai Pa" system has received inquiries and complaints from residents of Haifa about the increasing use of electronic cigarettes in public places. Many smokers believe that this is a "permitted" or less harmful alternative, but in practice the law in Israel clearly states: electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are considered smoking for all intents and purposes, and smoking with them is prohibited in public places just like smoking regular cigarettes.
In recent years, e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become extremely popular, especially among young people, but also among adults who want to cut down on smoking regular cigarettes. Along with the increase in use, there has also been public confusion about the law regarding whether vaping is permitted in public places.
The answer is clear: The law prohibiting smoking in public places has been updated to include e-cigarettes. This means that their use is prohibited in public and enclosed places, just as smoking regular cigarettes is prohibited.
According to the law, smoking or vaping is prohibited in a wide variety of public places, including: bus stops, train platforms, indoor parking lots, restaurants and cafes, event halls, public swimming pools, playgrounds, hospitals, educational institutions and workplaces.
Additionally, the law states that smoking is prohibited within ten meters of the entrance or exit of public buildings. The purpose of the provision is to prevent a situation in which smoke or nicotine vapors penetrate the building or harm passersby. Anyone who violates the law risks a fine of approximately 1,000 shekels. Enforcement can be carried out by municipal inspectors or other enforcement agencies, and the fine is imposed on the smoker himself.
It is important to emphasize that the law applies to all types of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, even if they do not contain nicotine. From the perspective of the law, the very act of vaping in a public space is considered prohibited smoking.
Public health officials explain that the reason for applying the law to electronic cigarettes also stems from concerns about the public's exposure to vapors and substances emitted from the devices, as well as from the desire to keep public spaces free of smoke of any kind. The complaints that recently reached the "Hai Pa" system indicate that quite a few people are still unaware of the law or choose to ignore it. Residents report vaping at bus stops and in crowded areas, which creates discomfort and even concern among those in the vicinity.
Therefore, it is important to remember that e-cigarettes are not "exempt" from the law. In public places, vaping is also considered smoking, and is prohibited.
Only tough enforcement will minimize the phenomenon. But there is no enforcement…
Only enforcement will help and there will be none, only the poor will be affected. Ten meters from a building is a very long way, even shop or restaurant owners who smoke don't move that far from their building. But the goal is excellent and understandable. More than once I've had a vaporizer taken out of me in the middle of a movie at the cinema. I wish there was enforcement.
Everyone smokes wherever they want, whenever they want, whatever they want, and there is no enforcement. Nothing.
One time I called an inspector and he came (a miracle!) The smoker threatened him and he backed away like a rabbit. Understand him, what does he need it for. The police…well, we all know what the Israel Police are.
Alec's law.