New York is next to jump on the tobacco-free generation bandwagon if governor Kathy Hochul’s ban happens. Photo credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA
New York governor Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to increase cigarette tax in the state and ban all flavored tobacco products to create a tobacco-free generation. New York already bans the sale of flavored vape products.
The proposal comes after youth smoking figures dropped, but showed a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people aged under 21.
In recent years, New York has worked to reduce youth smoking. The age requirement to buy tobacco products went up from 18 to 21, and e-cigarette regulations were also tightened. Public health advocates estimate that 4,300 people under the age of 18 start smoking daily in New York each year.
Hochul’s proposal would raise cigarette taxes by US$1 from US$4.35 to US$5.35. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids figures, New York already has the second-highest per pack tax in the US, along with Connecticut, after District of Columbia at US$4.50.
"These actions are projected to reduce the number of young people smoking cigarettes by 9%, prevent 22,000 youths from becoming adult smokers and prevent premature deaths caused by smoking," wrote Hochul's office in the State of the State booklet.
In recent years, organizations representing local markets, convenience stores, and other tobacco vendors have opposed future hikes in the cigarette tax, suggesting that New York should instead focus on addressing illegal tobacco sales and shipments in the city.