ALBANY, NY – Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz has introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco products within 500 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary school across New York State.
The proposal, Assembly Bill A00077, would add Section 1399-cc-1 to the state’s Public Health Law. It defines “flavored smokeless tobacco” as any tobacco or nicotine product intended for oral use that has a distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco — including fruit, candy, mint, or menthol flavors.
Under the bill, retailers located within the restricted zone would be barred from selling such products. The state health commissioner would have the authority to enforce the law and impose civil penalties for violations.
Dinowitz said the measure is aimed at reducing youth tobacco use and limiting marketing near schools. According to data cited in the bill memo, the National Youth Tobacco Survey found that nearly six percent of high school students currently use smokeless tobacco, which carries serious health risks including cancer, heart disease, and oral damage.
Flavored products, the memo notes, are specifically designed to attract young users through sweet or minty tastes similar to candy. Tobacco companies have also been shown to target retailers near schools to increase youth exposure.
“Limiting the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco near schools will make it harder for kids to access these addictive products,” Dinowitz said in the justification for the bill.
The measure has multiple co-sponsors, including Assemblymembers Glick, Simon, Rosenthal, Weprin, Colton, Seawright, Jackson, Griffin, Kay, and Shimsky.
If enacted, the law would take effect 180 days after being signed by the governor.
