BUFFALO, N.Y. — The controversial ban on flavored e-cigarettes in New York State has been put on hold.
According to the Vapor Technology Association, the New York Appellate Court granted a temporary restraining order to halt New York's enforcement of the ban, set to take effect on October 4th. The VTA said the ban is delayed until October 18th.
Today, the NY Appellate Court granted a TRO in the lawsuit brought by VTA, Benevolent ELiquids & Perfection Vapes to halt tomorrow's enforcement of the flavor ban. The panel unanimously ruled that the State is “temporarily enjoined and prevented from enforcing” the flavor ban. pic.twitter.com/vDVBKvEvG2
— Vapor Technology Association (@VaporTechAssoc) October 3, 2019
Governor Cuomo issued the ban on electronic cigarettes and flavored nicotine e-liquids out of concern over candy-like flavors that he said target a younger audience. The ban was intended to combat the increase in teen and youth vaping.
In a statement, the state's Health Commissioner says his department will continue to fight for the ban.
“It is undeniable that the vaping industry is using flavored e-cigarettes to get young people hooked on potentially dangerous and deadly products. While the court’s ruling temporarily delays our scheduled enforcement of this ban, it will not deter us from using every tool at our disposal to address this crisis. Make no mistake: this is a public health emergency that demands immediate action to help ensure the wellbeing of our children, and we’re confident that once the court hears our argument they will agree.”
Thursday's injunction comes as the Centers for Disease Control released new data about how vaping-related illnesses.
The CDC says 1,080 confirmed and probable cases have been reported in 48 states and one U.S. territory. The count includes 18 deaths in 15 states.
The first illnesses occurred in late March. Recently, 200 or more cases have been reported each week. Only Alaska and New Hampshire have yet to report cases.
