Is the Flavor Ban Finally Real? NYC Mayor Files Federal Lawsuit Against 4 Distributors
According to the latest reports from U.S. media on July 10, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has filed a lawsuit in federal court against four vaping distributors, seeking to stop the sale of flavored vaping products that appeal to minors.
The four vaping distributors are Magellan Technology Inc. and Demand Vape, both based in Buffalo, as well as Empire Vape Distributors in Queens and Star Vape in Brooklyn.
In related statements, in addition to emphasizing the health risks of nicotine and the potential appeal of flavored vaping products to minors, officials said the four distributors not only sold products to vape shops and convenience stores, but also sold directly to consumers online. The city sheriff has already seized thousands of dollars’ worth of these products.
New York City’s action is not without basis. Since July 2020, the city has banned the sale of flavored vaping products (as shown below on the official New York City government website). Under the law, vaping retailers in New York may sell only tobacco-flavored or unflavored vaping products and e-liquid products. Selling any other flavors is illegal. In addition, heated tobacco products, like other conventional tobacco products in New York City, may be sold only in unflavored and menthol/mint varieties.
