The General Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of the people of this State to protect nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and emissions produced by electronic smoking devices in most indoor areas open to the public, public meetings, food service establishments and places of employment.
The General Assembly recognizes that a balance should be struck between the health concerns of nonconsumers of tobacco products and the need to minimize unwarranted governmental intrusion into and regulation of private spheres of conduct and choice with respect to the use or nonuse of tobacco products in certain designated public areas and in private places. Therefore, the General Assembly declares that the purpose of this act is to preserve and improve the health, comfort and environment of the people of this State by limiting exposure to tobacco smoke and emissions produced by electronic smoking devices.