County of Rockland, New York :: Tobacco Program

Tobacco Program

Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA)

The Rockland County Department of Health is responsible for enforcement of the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) as well as the Rockland County Sanitary Code. Pursuant to the regulations, the Department investigates all indoor tobacco smoke complaints, including but not limited to residential, business and commercial complaints. The Department also conducts routine survey investigations to determine compliance with the smoking prohibitions and the "no smoking" sign posting requirement. Violators are subject to administrative proceedings, including monetary penalties. Additionally, the Department reviews retail tobacco business ventilation systems plans as well as waiver requests.

Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA)

The Department of Health is responsible for enforcement of the New York State Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA). The Department routinely conducts compliance checks at all retail tobacco facilities in the county to assure tobacco products are not sold to people under the age of 21. Compliance with signage, request for identification, location and packaging of tobacco products requirements are also mandated. Violators are subject to administrative proceedings, including monetary penalties and the assignment of points as well as tobacco and lottery license suspension and/or revocation.

Additionally, the Department investigates all tobacco complaints and conducts regular adult inspections focused on the education of tobacco retailers and collection of information regarding new tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes.

New York State Certified Tobacco Training is available free of charge for all tobacco retailers and any employees. Attendance at the training mitigates the points assigned in the event of a tobacco sale to a person under the age of 21. Furthermore, the Department serves as the state liaison on special projects, including the eradication of the sale of synthetic cannabinoids and phenethylamines.

Tobacco/Vape News Alerts:

FDA Warning about attempted sale of disguised E-cigarettes to youth
FDA Warns Firms for Selling Illegal E-cigarettes That Look Like Toys

Tobacco/Vendor Sale to persons under the age of 21:

2/17/23 - Finest Vapor Airmont
191 Rt 59 Suite 10, Airmont
1/19/23 - 7-Eleven Spring Valley
65 Kennedy Drive, Spring Valley
11/3/22 - Murray's New Deli
80 Broadway, South Nyack
9/15/22 - Triple M Convenience
48 Germonds Rd, New City
8/25/22 - In and Out Convenience Store
309 North Main St., Spring Valley
8/15/22 - Spring Valley Food Mart
168 North Main St., Spring Valley
7/7/22 - Open Every Day Convenience
29 South Main Street, Spring Valley
1/31/22 - Exxon – Monsey
165 Route 59, Monsey

Multiple Dwelling Smoking Law

The Department is also responsible for enforcement of the local law regulating smoking in multiple dwelling residences. Pursuant to the regulations, if the multiple dwelling complex has three (3) or more dwelling units, the owner must develop, implement, properly notify tenants and post copies of the multiple dwelling smoking policy. Furthermore, if the multiple dwelling complex has five (5) or more dwelling units, the owner must submit the smoking policy to the Department. The Department reviews all polices submitted and maintains a multiple dwelling registration database. Additionally, routine surveys of multiple dwellings and investigations of all complaints are conducted in an effort to assure compliance with the local law as well as state regulations and the county sanitary code. Violators are subject to administrative proceedings, including monetary penalties.

Please be advised all multiple dwelling complexes must also comply with the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, Public Health Law, Article 13-E and the Rockland County Sanitary Code, Article XXII. Smoking policy forms are available to download.