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A smokers’ advocacy group is suing New York City to overturn a law banning e-cigarettes everywhere regular cigarettes are banned.
The lawsuit was filed by the NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment on Tuesday. Itargues that a measure expanding the Smoke-Free Air Act to include e-cigarettes, signed into law by departing Mayor Michael Bloomberg late last year as one of his last acts in office, violates a “one-subject” rule requiring legislation to deal with only one topic.
In a statement, CLASH said the stated purpose of the law was to protect the public from exposure to second-hand smoke, but that vapor-based e-cigarettes do not present this danger.
“Bloomberg’s Health Commissioner Thomas Farley’s own testimony during hearings affirmed that there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that concludes that the vapor in e-cigs is harmful to bystanders, demonstrating it is in direct conflict with the purpose of the SFAA,” e-cigaratte advocate Russell Wishtartsaid.
The suit was filed in New York County Supreme Court. Aspokesperson for the city Law Department said they would review thecomplaint when it is served.
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