Cuomo seeks to raise tobacco, e-cig sales age to 21

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Saturday he is proposing to raise the minimum sales age for tobacco and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21 in his 2019 executive budget.

It is part of proposed legislation that also would end the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products in pharmacies and clarifies the state Health Department's authority to ban the sale of certain flavored e-cigarette liquids.

Cuomo's proposal includes:

• Raising minimum sales age. "Most underage youth obtain tobacco and vapor products from friends, who are over 18 and can legally purchase products. Raising the minimum age will curb youth tobacco use and remove sources of tobacco from high schools."
• Ending the sale of tobacco and electronic cigarette products in pharmacies. " (It) will reduce the availability, visibility, and social acceptability of tobacco use, especially to youth.
• Prohibit the display of tobacco products and packaging, including e-cigarettes, in all retail stores that are not adult-only.
• Clarifying the Health Department's authority to ban the sale of certain flavored e-cigarette liquids. "Flavors, such as sweet tart, toffee, and bubble gum, make e-cigarettes more attractive to youth. The budget will include a proposal to provide the Department of Health the authority to ban the sale of certain flavored liquids that target youth use of e-cigarettes."
• Restricting available discounts provided by tobacco and electronic cigarette manufacturers and retailers and require e-cigarettes be sold only through licensed retailers.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-seeks-to-raise-tobacco-e-cig-sales-age-to-13528841.php