ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo on Thursday signed into law a measure intended to crack down on the distribution of free electronic cigarettes to minors.
The bill closed a loophole in a state law that had already banned the sale of e-cigarettes to people under 18 but still allowed their use as promotional items.
Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), the bill’s sponsor, said it was in response to complaints she received about distributors giving away the vaping devices at street fairs and other public gatherings.
“We want to cut off access to e-cigarettes whether they are being given away or purchased,” Rosenthal said.
The new law marks the latest in a series of recent steps taken by the state to curb e-cigarette use, especially among minors.
Last fall, Cuomo signed into law a bill that extended the provisions of New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act to include e-cigarettes, effectively banning their use in most restaurants, bars and workplaces.
In July, Cuomo signed into law a measure that outlawed the smoking of e-cigarettes in all public and private schools.
Advocates for the restrictions argue smoke from e-cigarettes poses health risks akin to those of regular cigarettes.
“If someone starts out smoking e-cigarettes with nicotine they are likely to get hooked,” Rosenthal said.
