New York State Issues Emergency Order Banning Flavored E-cigarette Sales

local timeOn September 15, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an emergency executive order banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.

The New York Governor's Office said the executive order aims to eliminate the marketing of e-cigarettes against underage users before relevant legislation is introduced and to change the purchase age of e-cigarettes fromIncrease from 18 to 21.

The governor's office statement stated “Manufacturers of fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes deliberately and recklessly attract young people, and today we are taking action to stop it. At the same time, we are stepping up law enforcement in illegal stores that deliberately sell e-cigarette products to underage youth, and they will be arrested and prosecuted." rdquo;

According to the statement, New York State Police will cooperate with the Department of Health to“Investigation into the Youth Tobacco Use Prevention Act.

Under the executive order, retailers caught selling tobacco and e-cigarette products to minors will face criminal penalties in addition to civil penalties. In addition, Cuomo said the new executive order will take effect within two weeks and crack down on businesses that sell e-cigarettes to minors.