New York Sues E-Cigarette Distributors

State targets flavored vapes and seeks millions in damages over appeal to kids
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 20, 2025 10:04 AM CST
New York Sues E-Cigarette Distributors
Disposable flavored electronic cigarette devices are displayed for sale at a store in Pinecrest, Fla., on Monday, June 26, 2023.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

New York has filed a lawsuit against key distributors of electronic cigarettes. The companies are accused of illegally selling flavored vapes appealing to children, such as Puff Bar and Elf Bar. Attorney General Letitia James announced the legal action, which targets distributors rather than manufacturers, a shift from past strategies. Juul Labs was previously blamed for the teen vaping trend and has settled lawsuits over $1 billion. Flavored vapes continue entering the US, incorrectly labeled as different products. The legal complaint cites illegal shipments and provides examples of candy-like e-cigarettes. New York banned non-tobacco vaping flavors in 2020.

"For too long, these companies have disregarded our laws in order to profit off of our young people, but we will not risk the health and safety of our kids," said James. The lawsuit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and aims to stop the sale of flavored vapes in the state. In 2022, Demand Vape's co-founder reported $132 million in Elf Bar sales in one year. Despite the availability of disposable e-cigarettes, teen vaping rates in the US have dropped to below 6%, the lowest in a decade. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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