A bill is being considered in Albany that could ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and some vaping products. While some experts argue that such a ban could help prevent kids from buying these products, others feel that it would only increase the illicit market for flavored tobacco. In this article, we will explore both the pros and cons of banning flavored tobacco products.
The Pros of Banning Flavored Tobacco Products
Preventing Kids from Buying Flavored Tobacco Products
According to Travis Jordan, who leads Reality Check, a branch of the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, flavored tobacco products are often targeted at younger generations. The move to ban flavored tobacco products could help keep school kids from buying these products. From doing presentations, Jordan has found that kids as young as third or fourth grade have been exposed to these products. A ban could prevent even younger kids from trying these products, especially since they are easily accessible.Reducing the Likelihood of Kids Starting Smoking
Some health officials believe that if a kid picks up vaping, they are more likely to start smoking cigarettes. Smoking is a major health concern in St. Lawrence County, with a smoking rate of 21%, compared to the general rate of 12% in New York state. The United States, as a whole, has a smoking rate of about 16%. A ban on flavored tobacco products could prevent kids from starting smoking.Encouraging People to Quit Smoking
Proponents of the ban believe that it could help people quit smoking. However, Kent Sopris, the president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, believes that the ban would not lead to smokers quitting. He argues that the ban would only take these products out of taxed retail stores and put them into the illicit market. Smokers would still purchase these products, but they would do so somewhere else.
The Cons of Banning Flavored Tobacco Products
Increasing the Illicit Market for Flavored Tobacco Products
One of the major concerns with banning flavored tobacco products is that it would only increase the illicit market for these products. Kent Sopris believes that New York state should fund more enforcement programs and go after illegal sales within the black market. There is a huge need for inspectors to get out there in these illegal stores, but they are just not there. A ban on flavored tobacco products would only increase the demand for these products within the illicit market.Taking Away Choices from Consumers
Another concern with the ban is that it would take away choices from consumers. Menthol cigarettes, for example, are a popular choice among smokers. A ban on menthol cigarettes would take away this choice from smokers. Consumers should be allowed to make their own choices when it comes to the products they want to purchase.Creating a Nanny State
Some people feel that a ban on flavored tobacco products would create a nanny state. A nanny state is a term used to describe a government that makes decisions for its citizens. Banning flavored tobacco products would take away the freedom of choice from citizens. Smokers should be allowed to make their own choices when it comes to the products they want to purchase.
Conclusion
The debate over banning flavored tobacco products is a contentious one. While some people believe that a ban could prevent kids from buying these products and reduce the likelihood of them starting smoking, others feel that it would only increase the illicit market for flavored tobacco. Additionally, taking away choices from consumers and creating a nanny state are other concerns. Ultimately, it will be up to the New York State Legislature to decide whether or not to ban flavored tobacco products.
FAQs
1. What are flavored tobacco products?
Flavored tobacco products are tobacco products that have added flavors such as menthol, cherry, grape, or other fruit flavors.
2. What are some examples of flavored tobacco products?
Some examples of flavored tobacco products include menthol cigarettes, flavored vaping products (chargeable and disposable), and flavored chewing tobacco.
3. Why are flavored tobacco products often targeted at younger generations?
Flavored tobacco products are often marketed in a way that appeals to younger generations. They often have bright, colorful packaging and are available in flavors that are appealing to younger people.
4. Will banning flavored tobacco products help people quit smoking?
While proponents of the ban believe that it could help people quit smoking, opponents argue that it would only increase the demand for these products within the illicit market.
5. What are the concerns with banning flavored tobacco products?
The concerns with banning flavored tobacco products include increasing the illicit market for these products, taking away choices from consumers, and creating a nanny state.