De Blasio Signs Ban of Flavored E-Cigarettes Into Law

New York – A law passed by the city council banning the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and e-liquids was signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday, making it illegal to sell flavors preferred by children and teenagers, such as mint, menthol and wintergreen, in New York City.

The law, sponsored by Councilman Mark Levine of the Upper West Side, takes effect on July 1, 2020.

“Big tobacco, take note,” de Blasio said in a statement. “New York City will not stand for your cynical attempts to hook children on a potentially lethal, lifelong nicotine addiction.”
The law also prohibits the use of “concept flavors,” like Rainbow Road or Polar Breeze, which attempt to circumvent flavor bans. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to conduct an awareness campaign to educate the public about the availability of smoking-cessation resources. That goes into effect in 90 days.

The legislation was passed amid reports of hundreds of deaths and thousands of respiratory illnesses from vaping products, which were originally touted as an aid to ending smoking addiction.

As part of other city initiatives taken to end vaping among teens, retailers were prohibited from selling e-cigarettes to those younger than 21, and a separate license is required to sell e-cigarettes. Vaping is prohibited in public places such as schools, parks and many workplaces. Additionally, pharmacies are no longer allowed to sell any tobacco or e-cigarette products.

A state executive order sign by Gov. Andrew Cuomo three months ago has expired before enforcement even began due to lawsuits.