New 'anti-tobacco' law enters into force in New York: who it touches

The law prohibits the use of coupons and discounts on tobacco products in New York State. In the future, this is expected to improve the health of state residents, especially young people and low-income citizens. This publication writes 12 News WBNG.

The law entered into force in New York State on July 1. It aims to slow down the tobacco industry’s efforts to circumvent the state’s high tobacco tax. It is proved that a high tax reduces the number of smokers, especially among young people. However, in order to attract new customers, the business uses various promotions and discounts.

“Avoiding promotions, coupons or discounts on tobacco and e-cigarettes will greatly improve health, especially for young people looking to buy these products, for low-income families trying to quit smoking,” said public health educator Laura Kelly. Kelly of the Broome County Department of Health. "The longer prices stay high, the more incentives people have to help them quit smoking."

Under the state budget for fiscal year 2021, a number of tobacco control measures have been taken. Among them is a new law that stops the delivery of electronic cigarettes and vapes to private homes, which also entered into force on July 1.

In addition, as reported on the site of the city hall cities, in New York, there are other bans:

• Starting July 1, 2020, only products with specific tastes are allowed in tobacco and electronic cigarette retail stores in New York. In particular, stores licensed for the sale of tobacco products may sell cigarettes with tobacco or menthol flavor.

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• New York also has the Smoke Free Air Act (SFAA). According to him, it is forbidden to smoke tobacco and use electronic cigarettes in common areas in residential buildings with three or more apartments. Common areas include corridors, landings, laundry facilities and a lobby.

SFAA also prohibits smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in almost all workplaces. These include areas at the entrances to hospitals, in parks, on beaches and in pedestrian areas. The law prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco in sports arenas and in recreation areas where admission is by ticket.

• Tobacco sales in New York require a license from a retailer of tobacco products. Tobacco retailers must also be registered in New York State.

Sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in pharmacies or in enterprises where there are pharmacies is not allowed.

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Learn about fines for selling tobacco products and how to avoid them. on this site.

• The law requires licensed tobacco retailers to sell tobacco products at a price no lower than the minimum for each category and package size. The minimum cost of a pack of cigarettes in New York should be at least $ 13. Learn more about tobacco pricing. here.
• Tobacco retailers are required to display valid New York State and city tax stamps on all cigarette packages. You can view the details of this requirement. on this site.
• In accordance with the law of the State of New York, which entered into force on December 1, 2019, the sale of electronic cigarettes is subject to a new tax of 20%. Learn more about this. on this site.
• The Urban Tobacco Act and the State Teen Prevention of Tobacco Act also apply. It defines various restrictions on the sale of tobacco products, including a ban on the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 21. It is written in more detail about this. here.
• New York State prohibits online cigarette sales. By going here to register:, you can familiarize yourself with these restrictions.