ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The New York State Conservative Party is criticizing a proposal to bar electronic cigarette smoking in public places.
The party opposes a bill before the state Legislature to make restrictions on smoking in public areas applicable to so called e-cigarettes. The conservatives argue that people should make their own decisions and that the measure would continue the ``Nanny State'' role of government.
Proponents of the bans say they are aimed at preventing the re-acceptance of smoking as a societal norm, particularly among teenagers.
A New York City law making electronic cigarettes subject to the same regulations as tobacco took effect last week.
