WASHINGTON — The American Vaping Association (AVA), a leading advocate for the benefits of e-cigarettes, criticized a bill reported to be proposed in New York City Council on Tuesday that would ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in America’s largest city, saying it will harm smokers and e-cigarette users.
“Studies show that e-cigarettes, particularly flavored kinds, are effective at helping smokers move away from combustible cigarettes,” said Gregory Conley, the AVA’s president, responding to a bill by Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Queens) that media reports said was set to be proposed on Tuesday. “The AVA supports common-sense regulation of its products, such as New York City’s existing ban on the sale to minors. But adults are free to make their own choices. This proposed law would not only take away a consumer choice, it would eliminate a competitor to Big Tobacco.”
Conley cited a study by Greek researcher Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos that showed adults using flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to be smoke-free than those using tobacco flavors.
“If Council Member Constantinides’s bill becomes law, it will take away a valuable tool for New Yorkers looking to kick the habit,” Conley added.
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website.
About the American Vaping Association
The American Vaping Association is a nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and sensible regulation of vapor products, otherwise known as electronic cigarettes, with the goal of maximizing the number of adult smokers who use these products to quit smoking. The AVA was founded by Gregory Conley, a consumer and industry advocate with a long track record of advocating for vapor products dating back to 2010.
We are dedicated to educating the public and government officials about public health benefits offered by vapor products, which are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid nicotine or nicotine-free solution and create an inhalable vapor. The AVA is not a trade group and does not speak for any particular businesses, including our industry sponsors.
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.