13th District Home Legislature Index Nassau County Home |
May 22, 2000 LEGISLATOR GONSALVES VOTES TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM HERBAL CIGARETTES
Legislator Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow) voted for local legislation that extends the County's restrictions on the sale of tobacco to minors to herbal cigarettes. "Some 3000 children start smoking in our country every day and one third of them will eventually die from smoking tobacco-related diseases," said Legislator Gonsalves. "We cannot allow for our children to be enticed to smoke herbal cigarettes which are not a natural or healthy alternative to tobacco cigarettes." Under the legislation, it would be prohibited to distribute herbal cigarettes for sale or free of charge to anyone under 18 years of age. In addition, it provides that a vendor may request proof of age for any customer who appears to be under 27 years of age. Furthermore, it limits where vending machines that dispense herbal cigarettes can be located. "I am pleased to be able to support this important legislation. I urge the County Executive to sign it into law," concluded Legislator Gonsalves |