Deadline Has Passed for E-Cigarette Retail License Applications in New York City

 　　To reduce the impact of e-cigarettes on youth health, the New York City Council passed a bill last year requiring retailers to apply for a license to sell e-cigarettes, effective from August 23, 2018. The application period was only 90 days, and as of April 25 of this year (Wednesday), the DCA will no longer accept new license applications.

  　　The law passed last August requires all tobacco retailers to apply for a license to operate e-cigarettes by April 25 of this year; retailers that opened after August 28, 2017, are not eligible to apply; and all pharmacies will completely stop selling related products starting August 23 of this year.   　　After that, the DCA will limit the number of e-cigarette retail licenses in each area to half of the number issued within the 90-day application period, in line with Mayor de Blasio's policy to reduce the number of e-cigarette users in New York City by 160,000 over three years. Supporter of the bill, City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, stated: “We have taken an important first step in protecting the health of New Yorkers, especially our youth.”   　　In addition to this law, Governor Cuomo also signed a state law earlier that bans the use of pen-style vaping devices in schools starting this August; and from October, it will be prohibited in all public places.   　　For those who have already applied for a license, it undoubtedly reduces competition, but some wholesalers argue that reducing e-cigarette shops is not the solution. E-cigarette wholesaler Jack Chadhag said: “The city should address the issue systematically, starting with family education, rather than through public measures.”   　　New Yorker Anthony Young stated that if tobacco requires a business license, then it is very appropriate for e-cigarettes to require a license as well, “Even if it may affect my normal purchases, I still think it is a good thing for the public, especially since we know that minors under 18 will illegally purchase tobacco or these products (e-cigarettes).”   　　There has been much debate about whether e-cigarettes can help with smoking cessation; however, recent studies have confirmed that e-cigarettes do not help with quitting smoking and may even exacerbate addiction and increase health risks. E-cigarette products refer to battery-powered devices that vaporize liquid, gel, herbs, or other substances for inhalation.