County Executive Ken Jenkins has introduced legislation aimed at banning the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products that are designed to resemble everyday items such as smartphone cases, toys, drink containers, backpacks, and other common objects. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address concerns about deceptive marketing practices targeting young people in Westchester County.
“These products are disguised as smartphone cases, toys, drink containers, backpacks, and other common items. While they may appear harmless, these devices are intended to attract young people and make it easier for them to access nicotine. This legislation is about protecting our children and keeping Westchester safe and healthy,” Jenkins said.
The proposed law seeks to reduce youth access to nicotine by making it illegal to sell vaping devices that do not look like traditional tobacco or nicotine products. This aligns with ongoing county efforts focused on reducing nicotine use among minors.
“Westchester County is taking a stand against these deceptive products. We want our children to grow up healthy, not addicted to nicotine, and this legislation is a critical step toward that goal,” Jenkins added.
Support for the measure comes from school officials across the county. Ossining Schools Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter stated: “As Superintendent of Schools, my top priority is the health and safety of our students. Deceptive vaping devices and deceptive marketing poses serious risks, not only to physical health but also to learning and development. We fully support this legislation to protect our young people and ensure our schools remain safe, healthy environments for all students.”
Dara E. Joseph, Acting Superintendent of Greenburgh Graham Union Free School District commented: “This is not just a school issue it’s a community issue. Combating vaping among youth requires all of us: parents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders working together to give our young people the tools and knowledge to make healthy choices.”
White Plains Public Schools Superintendent Joseph L. Ricca said: “We are grateful that County Executive Jenkins is standing up for the health and safety of our children by making the deceptive marketing of e-cigarette and vaping devices illegal in Westchester County. Disguising products as everyday items that can rob our children of their health and wellness is a serious problem facing every parent – this legislation ends that concern and takes another step forward in supporting our children’s overall health and safety countywide.”
Ray Sanchez from Tarrytown UFSD emphasized: “Protecting the health and safety of our students must always come first. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that unhealthy products, like vapes, have no place in our communities.”
Molly Franco from the American Lung Association added: “The American Lung Association remains committed to a tobacco-free future where no child is addicted to tobacco products. To end youth tobacco and nicotine use, it is necessary for the entire community to be involved, including lawmakers, parents, teachers, coaches, school administrators, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers.”
Jenkins has called on the Westchester County Board of Legislators for swift passage so that the law can take effect immediately.
