A law prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in the same public places where smoking is prohibited took effect in Maine on Thursday.

The new law bans electronic cigarettes from places such as restaurants, playgrounds and beaches, where traditional cigarettes are banned.

Maine restaurants went smoke-free in 2004, and other areas followed five years later.

Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine and use a battery-powered vaporizer to turn liquid containing nicotine into vapor.