The New York City Council has voted to ban all flavored electronic cigarettes and e-liquid flavors used for vaping.
The City Council’s 42-2 vote on Tuesday comes amid a national debate over the flavored products, which critics say cater to young people instead of helping adults quit smoking. The ban prohibits all flavors except for tobacco.
After the ban passed, backers of the vaping industry threw dollar bills from the balcony of the chamber and made disparaging remarks about the City Council being bought by the tobacco industry, according to the Associated Press.
After passing bill 42-2, @NYCCouncil kicks out the public after NYS Vaping Association throws dollar bills over balcony yelling about being bought Big Tobacco. pic.twitter.com/hsqJcZF6VR
— Mike Seilback (@Seilback) November 26, 2019
Democratic City Council member Mark Levine remarked that “there is no higher obligation” than protecting children and their health.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said he supports the prohibition and intends either to sign the legislation or let the law take effect automatically.
New York state has worked to implement a statewide ban, but the move has been challenged in court.
