Friday Gov. Kathy Hochul signed public health legislation to crack down on tobacco sales in New York State.
This measure will make tobacco products less accessible by prohibiting the sale of these products at vending stands and in vending machines in New York buildings. The new legislation amends the public buildings law to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in vending machines and at vending stands leasing space in these buildings. The prohibition will apply to new leases and contracts with vendors. The legislation makes the public buildings law consistent with other state laws and policies regarding tobacco sales.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, resulting in more than 480,000 deaths each year.
