Suffolk County Bill Proposes Ban on Vaping Devices Disguised as School Supplies; Public Hearing Set

A bill in Suffolk County, New York, that would ban the sale of vaping products disguised as school supplies and personal items will be the subject of a public hearing on December 5. The bill would prohibit the sale of vaping devices designed to resemble highlighters, USB flash drives, ballpoint pens, phone cases, smartwatches, and backpacks.

According to a recent report by Newsday, a bill in Suffolk County, New York, that would ban the sale of vaping products disguised as school supplies and personal items will be the subject of a public hearing on December 5. 

The bill would prohibit the sale of vaping devices designed to resemble highlighters, USB flash drives, ballpoint pens, phone cases, smartwatches, and backpacks. 

Jim Mazzarella, the state legislator who introduced the bill, said he wants to ensure it is consistent with state law, including the definition of smoking and the possibility that violations could cause businesses to lose relevant licenses. 

In August this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to 15 online retailers for selling and/or distributing unauthorized vaping products packaged to look like cartoon characters, school supplies, toys, and beverages that appeal to youth. It is illegal to sell vaping products to people under the age of 21.

Kent Sopris, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, an Albany-based industry group, said the organization supports the bill and that the county should commit to enforcing it.
It is reported that New York State banned online sales of vaping products in 2020. Data show that in 2022, about one in every 10 U.S. middle and high school students—2.55 million people—had used vaping products at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey.