New York State Prohibits Tobacco Discounts

According to a press release from Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga a new law is in place that prohibits any discounts on the sale of tobacco products.

The discounts include coupons and multi-pack promotions which will eliminate the tobacco companies from finding a way around the high New York state taxes put on tobacco products.

The increase in taxes on tobacco has proven to help reduce smoking consumption especially among the younger population.t

Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga says the average age New York teens start smoking is 13 years old, and 90 percent of adults say they have tried smoking as a minor.

The coalition also says Nearly 40% of high school seniors in New York State use e-cigarettes, also referred to as “vaping,” and 27% of all high school youth vape. ⁵

The law, put into effect on July 1^st is another step forward for the Health of New York state residents.

Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga considers this a big victory in combating Big Tobacco’s long history of discounts and other pricing schemes that target youth, minority communities, low-income communities and people trying to quit.

The law will not allow tobacco companies to aggressively market their products in stores across the state, using colorful walls of tobacco products and marketing materials that are highly appealing to teens.

In the press release statement Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga Reality Check coordinator Laura Kelly says “These new laws will help protect kids from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.”

  Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga states that more cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store, and 70% of adolescents shop in convenience stores at least once a week — where they are more likely to be exposed to pro-smoking messages

For help quitting smoking or vaping, including free nicotine replacement therapy for eligible residents, individuals can contact a health care provider, and call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit www.nysmokefree.com. Effective medications and counseling are covered by Medicaid and most insurance programs.