Diegnan, Codey Bill to Ban Tobacco and Vaping Promotions Approved by Committee

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Senator Richard Codey, which would prohibit the use of coupons, price rebates and price reduction promotions in the sales of tobacco and vapor products, was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

“There is a strong correlation between the cost of tobacco products including vaping and the number of young people using them. Discounted prices encourage consumption. Tobacco and vaping companies use promotions and coupons to encourage young people to buy them,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “I am particularly worried about vaping products. Vaping has been growing quickly particularly among our younger generation and we have to put a stop to it.”

“In 2011, according to the CDC, tobacco companies have spent billions of dollars on discounts and promotion in the US alone. They do this in order to lure people into buying more of their products,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex/Morris). “We will not allow the tobacco industry to poison another generation of Americans, and we will prevent them from promoting their products in this state.”

The bill, S-1647, would prohibit the use of coupons, price reductions, and price rebates in connection with the sale of tobacco and vapor products to consumers at brick and mortar retail stores and online. Anyone found violating this proposed law would be fined $250 for a first violation, a minimum of $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation.

Vaping products would include: any electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe and any vapor cartridge.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 7-1.