NYC Council Member Proposes Ban on Disposable Vapes

Council member Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) will introduce a bill on Thursday that aims to ban the sale of all single-use e-cigarettes in New York City. Menin believes this move will help curb underage vaping, as disposable vapes have become the preferred choice for many young nicotine users.

Closing the Loophole on Flavored Vapes

The proposed ban follows a 2020 prohibition on flavored vapes and e-liquids under former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. Menin argues that banning disposable e-cigarettes will close the loophole and stop the influx of illegal flavored vapes, which can lead to more serious substance abuse, hinder brain development, and cause respiratory issues in young people.

“We wouldn’t hand our children a pack of cigarettes, so why would we endanger their health and their future by exposing them to nicotine-filled disposable vapes?” Menin stated, emphasizing that “the data is clear.”

Penalties for Violators

Under the proposed bill, vendors who violate the ban would face a $1,000 fine for a first offense, with penalties increasing to $5,000 for third and subsequent violations.

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City’s Ongoing Efforts to Combat Underage Vaping

Menin’s proposal comes on the heels of the city’s recent lawsuit targeting Long Island-based Price Point Distributors Inc., who sell colorful candy-flavored vapes. In July 2023, the Adams administration also filed a federal lawsuit against four major distributors, followed by a second lawsuit against 11 local wholesalers in April 2024. Both cases are still ongoing.

Alarming Statistics on Underage Vaping

According to 2019 city data, more than one in six New York high school students reported using e-cigarettes. The National Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that one in 10 US middle and high school students—over 2.5 million kids—used e-cigarettes in a 30-day sample period. A follow-up survey conducted just one year later by the organization found that flavored e-cigarettes remain the “most popular products” among teenagers.

As the city continues its fight against underage vaping, Menin’s proposed ban on disposable e-cigarettes aims to be a significant step in protecting the health and well-being of New York City’s youth.

News source:
NYC pol wants to ban disposable vapes in latest e-cig crackdown in bid to wipe out underage usage

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.