The New York City Council has modified the current smoking ban within public places to include electronic cigarettes, devices that emit a steam-like vapor rather than smoke. The decision passed in a 43 to 8 vote, thus e-cigarettes will not be allowed in bars, restaurants, office buildings, beaches or other public areas.

New York’s City Council has approved extending the city’s strict smoking ban to include electronic cigarettes, which emit a vapor. The measure was pushed by outgoing Mayor Michael Bloomberg and backed by public health advocates in the city. It comes just weeks after New York became the first major city to raise the age for buying tobacco to 21.