NYC Council looks to outlaw vaping devices disguised as school supplies

The City Council is looking to crack down on illegal vaping devices disguised as school supplies.

Those caught hawking electronic cigarettes designed to resemble highlighters, pens, pencils and other school supplies in NYC could soon face fines of up to $1,000 for first offenses under legislation introduced Thursday by Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-Staten Island).

Fines would run as high as $2,000 for second offenses within three years and $5,000 for third offenses.

Repeat offenders would also risk having business licenses suspended

The bill’s main goal is protecting kids’ health, Hanks said.

“Vapes disguised as school supplies are intentionally crafted to deceive school safety agents, parents, and officials, making it difficult to enforce vaping bans in schools,” she said.

“This bill aims to prohibit the sale of these deceptive products in New York City, both in stores and online. By doing so, we will support school safety agents in their efforts to keep harmful substances out of our schools and create a safer environment for our children.”

Vaping products usually come in kid-friendly flavors, such as mango, strawberry banana and blueberry ice.

In many cases, they’re sold on the Internet and black market and come from China and other overseas countries.

Many vapes contain nicotine and other chemicals linked to lung disease and other health risks over long-term use.

In 2022, 18.7% of high schoolers vaped, according to the state Health Department.  

In May, the state Senate passed similar legislation sponsored by Long Island Democrat Monica Martinez, but the Assembly has yet to back that measure, which would cover the entire state.

Under current law, it’s illegal to sell flavored e-cigarettes or vapes.

In the Big Apple, retailers can only sell cigarettes and other tobacco products that are unflavored or menthol, mint  or wintergreen-flavored.