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Gov. Cuomo Signs New Electronic Cigarette Restrictions Into Law

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - It is now illegal in New York State to smoke an electronic cigarette within 100 feet of entrances to public or private schools.

New laws signed Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo also ban the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 years old. That provision goes into effect on January 1.

The smoking restriction takes effect immediately. Residences or residential property within the 100-foot perimeter would be excluded.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices used to inhale vaporized liquid nicotine instead of tobacco smoke.

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal said e-cigarettes, which are currently unregulated, are made in flavors such as bubble gum and chocolate meant to appeal to youths and contain highly addictive nicotine.

She said they would "hook yet another generation'' on a deadly habit.

Do you agree with the new laws now on the books in New York? Sound off below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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