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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]The Oakdale Mall in Johnson City is prohibiting the use of tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery devices on its property.

The regional retail center's policy will take effect on Tuesday (March 1).

Mall marketing manager Nancy Phillips said signs informing people of the impending policy were posted at entrances about a month ago.

Phillips said one of the key goals is to eliminate the secondhand smoke near the doors, where customers and employees congregate for cigarette breaks.

Larger signs announcing the ban also are being placed inside the mall.

Phillips said the policy will be "a positive step for everybody." She noted several other malls in New York state have implemented similar policies.

Signs promoting the "Tobacco Free Grounds" at the mall were provided by Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga. The local initiative is funded by the state Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Control.

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