Diegnan, Codey Bill to Ban Tobacco and Vaping Promotions Now Law

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 signed into law.

“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 and therefore tobacco and vaping companies use promotions and coupons to encourage young people to buy them,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “Vaping’s popularity has been growing quickly, particularly among our youth, and this signing eliminates a manipulative marketing ploy used by these companies to keep our youth hooked on their products.”

The law will 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 in violation of this law will be fined $250 for a first violation, a minimum of $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation.

“In 2011, according to the CDC, tobacco companies have spent billions of dollars on discounts and promotions 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.”

Additionally, if a licensed tobacco retail dealer is found to have committed a violation, they will be subject to an additional administrative penalty or suspension of their dealer’s license following a hearing, and the license will be subject to revocation following a second violation.

The vaping products subject to the law include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic cigarillos, electronic pipes, and any vapor cartridges.