Nassau County Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello and members of the Nassau County Legislative Majority introduced legislation to restrict advertising and display of e-cigarette and vaping products in retail establishments. The legislation is intended to address the increasing targeting of such products to school-age children.
The new legislation prohibits the display of e-cigarettes and vaping products within a two-foot radius of candy, toys, and similar items that are enticing to children. Moreover, similar to tobacco products, the e-cigarettes must be kept behind a counter in an area accessible only to store personnel or under a lock and key
There has been a dramatic increase in the use of vaping products by middle school and high school age students in recent years. Much of the advertisement of these products is directed at young people. This includes the sale of e-liquids with flavors such as cotton candy, bubblegum and waffle cone. Moreover, retail stores have been displaying the e-cigarette and vaping products next to candy and toys.
“Many of these products are marketed and sold with the intent of enticing young people to begin using a product that can damage their health and lead to nicotine addition,” said Presiding Officer Nicolello. “The legislation compliments the recent tobacco 21 legislation by making it more difficult for minors to gain access to e-cigarettes and vaping products.”
The amendment is expected to be voted on at the next meeting of Legislative Committees on June 25th.