New York’s Flavored Vapor Products Ban Begins May 18

Sales of flavored vapor products come to close in the U.S. state of New York at retail stores beginning Monday May 18. Monday also brings a close to the sale of all tobacco products at pharmacies.

“Healthcare-related entities should not be in the business of selling tobacco, the leading cause of preventable death in New York State,” wrote Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a press release. “Ending the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products in pharmacies will help reduce the availability, visibility and social acceptability of tobacco use, especially to youth.”

The measure also makes it illegal to sell electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) online, by phone and by mail order.

New York became the first state in the country to ban flavored electronic cigarettes in September of last year. Cuomo announced the decision as part of a series of efforts to combat the increase in young people using vape products. Cuomo said in a statement that it was “undeniable” that flavors like bubblegum and cotton candy are deliberately designed to target youths.