Vapor still tobacco in New York City

Vapers must follow the same rules as combustible cigarette smokers in New York City, an appellate court ruled Thursday, according to a New York Daily News article.

Enforcement of the ban on vaping in public places like bars, bistros and beaches began in 2014, but was challenged as unconstitutional by a smokers’ rights group, Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment (NYC CLASH). The organization argued that the city violated the state constitution by lumping unrelated subjects into one bill because vaping and smoking tobacco are different, according to the article.

In May 2015, a lower court ruled against NYC CLASH and the Manhattan Appellate Division agreed.

A spokesman for the city Law Department issued a statement saying city lawyers are pleased that the judges recognized “the amendment was not buried, unrelated legislation and the subject of the bill was clearly and transparently identified to the public during the legislative process.”

See story here: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan-court-upholds-city-ban-e-cig-public-places-article-1.2934414