Prohibits the vending machine sale of tobacco products within 350 feet of a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship

BILL NUMBER:S2102

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the placement of tobacco vending machines near schools, churches, synagogues or other places of worship

Purpose

To prevent tobacco vending machines from being placed within 350 feet of a school or place of worship.

Summary of provisions

The bill prohibits the operation of a vending machine which dispenses tobacco products unless the machine is located outside 350 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school or place of worship.

Existing law

The bill amends section 1399-dd of the public health law, relating to sale of tobacco products in vending machines, to add this new restriction.

Justification

At a time when society is finally breaking through all the industry-perpetuated fallacies about the real dangers of smoking, it is more important than ever to place proper and reasonable restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. This bill would enact one such restriction, to ensure that such products are not sold in vending machines within 350 feet of schools and places of worship. These are sites where children, the most vulnerable targets of tobacco-industry propaganda, regularly congregate, and vending machines are notorious for selling to minors and adults indiscriminately. The bill will reduce the opportunities for minors to make illegal purchases of cigarettes.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.