This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 26, 2019, the New York City Council is expected to pass a legislation banning flavored vapes, except for tobacco-flavored products. The bill would then be sent to Mayor Bill de Blasio for his signature.
According to Freddi Goldstein, Mr. de Blasio's press secretary, the mayor supports the legislation, stating, 'The mayor supports it. We will either sign it or let it lapse into law.'
However, the Council has set aside a companion measure that would have banned the sale of menthol cigarettes, following concerted lobbying efforts and opposition from the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network. The nonprofit has received five-figure contributions from Reynolds American, the tobacco giant.
Some civil rights activists have criticized the decision to delay the menthol cigarette ban, arguing that it could lead to an underground market and tragedies like the death of Eric Garner. Others have called for a ban, citing health concerns.
Despite the delay, Council Member Mark Levine stated that there is still a 'strong commitment' to the menthol ban. Kirsten John Foy, a civil rights activist, countered that delaying the ban was a capitulation to the tobacco industry.
The vaping industry has also lobbied against the flavored e-cigarette bill, with Juul paying over $250,000 to lobbyists in 2019 alone. The City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, has expressed support for the vaping legislation and is meeting with stakeholders to find a compromise on the menthol ban.
