This is just the latest move made in New York to restrict the growth of vaping and distribution of e-cigarettes. On Sept. 9, 2019, the state passed legislation that required retailers to post signage about the dangers of illicit e-cigarette products and vaping in general. Days later, Cuomo issued an executive order that requires all tobacco and prevention cessation programs also incorporate e-cigarette prevention as well. Retailers that are found to have sold e-cigarettes and vapor products to minors will also now face increases scrutiny and action from the police. E-cigarettes in the state are also expected to be subject to a 20 percent tax hike. Come Nov. 13, 2019, New York will raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 years of age.
While the Trump Administration has already indicated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could be moving closer toward a ban of flavored e-cigarettes on a national level [read more here], Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a statement that immediate action had to be taken in order to prevent any more youth from becoming addicted to these products that could be putting their health at risk.
“New York is not waiting for the federal government to act, and by banning flavored e-cigarettes we are safeguarding the public health and helping prevent countless young people from forming costly, unhealthy and potentially deadly life-long habits,” said Cuomo in a statement.
