Legislature Hearing Demanded to Ban Menthol Cigarettes in NYC

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Nov.20.2023

Legislature Hearing Demanded to Ban Menthol Cigarettes in NYC

New York City social justice and health groups demand a hearing on Intro 577, legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes in the city.

According to a report by Readme, a New York City advocacy group for social justice and health has demanded that the City Council hold a public hearing on Intro 577 legislation. This legislation aims to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes in the city.

Despite the support of half of the city council members and civil rights leaders, Intro 577 has yet to undergo a public hearing after more than a year of waiting. Council Member Lynn Schulman, chair of the Health Committee, is the initiator of this bill. Last week, Senator Gillibrand also expressed support for the federal ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes.

Tabitha Ellis, Chairwoman of the Advocacy Committee of the American Heart Association in New York City, has called for the removal of mint-flavored tobacco products from the market. Mint flavoring has been found to make smoking easier to start and harder to quit. Each year, without legislation to end the sale of mint-flavored cigarettes in New York City, thousands of new teenagers, predominantly from minority communities, will begin smoking and develop nicotine addiction through mint-flavored products. For decades, major tobacco companies have aggressively marketed mint-flavored tobacco products in minority communities, but we can now tackle this issue through effective legislation.

References:

[1] Health Advocates to Demand City Council Hold Hearing on Menthol Ban After More than A Year of Delay

Also Read:

[1] Impact of Menthol Cigarettes on African American Smokers

[2] Biden Administration Faces Opposition over Proposed Menthol Ban

#Menthol cigarettes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

JTI Expands Albania Distribution Through Partnership with Nelt

Serbian logistics company Nelt Group said it has become a distributor for Japan Tobacco International products in Albania. According to the company, the partnership has created 50 new jobs in the local market. Nelt described the move as part of a broader change to its business model in Albania. The group already cooperates with JTI in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expects its revenue to grow by 9% in 2025.

Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Vietnam Passes Amended Investment Law Banning E-Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Businesses

On December 11, 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed the amended Investment Law, officially banning investment and business activities related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The new law also adds several high-risk and socially sensitive sectors to the list of prohibited business activities, including narcotics, wildlife trade, human organs and embryos, sex work, human cloning, fireworks, debt collection, and trade of national treasures.

Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Wales Passes Law Banning Tobacco Sales to Anyone Born After 2009

The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has approved new legislation banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The law, passed on December 9, 2025, also imposes stricter controls on how vapes and nicotine products are advertised and sold. Designed by the UK Government but voted on separately in Wales, the bill passed with 36 votes in favor, two abstentions, and nine against. It grants stronger enforcement powers to Trading Standards to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales.

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK’s Nationwide Crackdown Seizes 111,000 Illegal Vapes in “Machinize 2” Operation

UK police have carried out a nationwide crackdown under Operation Machinize 2, targeting illegal vapes, counterfeit goods, and grey-market businesses. Raids on more than 2,700 premises led to 924 arrests and the seizure of 111,000 illegal vapes, 70kg of cannabis, 4.5m cigarettes, and £10.7m in proceeds.