Ensure enforcers have tools to stem flavored vape sales

In the commentary “New York’s ban on flavored vaping products isn’t working,” March 18, Meredith Berkman calls attention to the ubiquitous illegal sale of flavored vaping products throughout the state that continues to fuel youth nicotine addiction and the legal loopholes that allow it to happen.

Our team’s most recent observations of tobacco retailers in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties illustrate her point too well. Of the 31 licensed tobacco retailers that we visited in the city of Schenectady, 16 were displaying and selling illegal flavored vape products; in the city of Albany, 15 of 41; and in Rensselaer County, 8 of 17. In total, 39 of 89 licensed tobacco retailers we visited were selling illegal flavored vape products that are especially appealing to youth. These observations were limited to 89 of the 537 licensed tobacco retailers in the three counties.

We share Berkman’s view that New York’s action to ban the sale of flavored vape products was a huge step toward preventing youth nicotine addiction. The next step is to ensure that enforcement agents have the tools and legal authority they need to hold stores that violate the law accountable.

Vaping among youth remains an epidemic. Nearly one in five high school students vape nicotine. More than 80 percent of these young people use flavored vape products. Making flavored vape products truly unavailable in our neighborhoods will go a long way in preventing youth nicotine addiction and ending this needless epidemic.

Jeanie Orr

Albany Program manager, Capital District Tobacco-Free

Communities