WHITE PLAINS – The vote by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday to end the sale of flavored tobacco products is being hailed as landmark legislation by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
“Not only will this landmark legislation save lives by protecting kids from the deadly consequences of smoking, but it also promises to advance health equity throughout the county,” said group director of advocacy for the Northeast Region Kevin O’Flaherty.
He urged County Executive George Latimer to sign the bill into law.
O’Flaherty said the bill “will go a long way in protecting the health of the black community, while ensuring that not a single individual will be targeted or criminalized for using or possessing flavored tobacco products.” He said all enforcement of the legislation will be left to the county health department, which will only issue fines to businesses that sell flavored tobacco products in retail establishments.
