NY Legislature Votes To Ban Sale of E-Cigarettes To Minors
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York's Legislature has voted to ban selling electronic cigarettes to minors.
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs the bill into law, New York will join Alaska, Idaho, Kansas and Maryland in restricting so-called e-cigarettes that can carry nicotine.
The devices, invented in 1963, are sold without regulation in malls and other places where cigarettes are sold.
The American Cancer Society had called for the measure for two years.
"There is no scientific evidence that e-cigarettes are a safe substitute for traditional cigarettes or an effective smoking cessation tool," said Russ Sciandra, the American Cancer Society New York State Director of Advocacy.
"In fact, they may entice young people into trying traditional cigarettes," she said.
Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat, pushed the bill that passed in her house. She said she was then "baffled'' by a last minute dispute with the Republican-controlled Senate.
On Thursday, the last day of the legislative session, the Senate passed the bill 60-0.
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