Despite claims of its manufacturers that their products are unlike the conventional predecessor, electronic cigarettes are set to be considered for restriction in New York City.
This move by the City Council aims to categorize e-cigarettes just like normal cigarette sticks, and are also therefore subject to the same restrictions and prohibitions. Smoking is banned in most of the public places in New York City, most notably in offices, restaurants and even open areas like the beach.
Patrons have quickly picked up on the trend of using electronic cigars, claiming that these products are healthier because they help nicotine addicts kick the habit. However, recent studies have shown that e-cigs are not effective alternatives, because these can even fuel a deeper addiction to real cigarettes. Anti-smoking advocates are also adamant against the proliferation of these electronic variants, since these products still contain nicotine.
The bill, pushed by council speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and fellow councilman James Gennaro (D-Queens), is being eyed for implementation within the year. “This is kind of a high-tech successor to the common-sense anti-smoking law we passed in 2002 that has yielded tremedous health benefits to the people of New York,” Gennaro said in a news statement.
Many government officials are supporting the bill, including New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
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