Proposed Tobacco Awareness Bill Could Hurt Local Business

A new bill proposed by a Suffolk County legislator may cause concerns among tobacco retailers and other county officials about future tobacco sales.

Legis. Jon Cooper, D-Lloyd Harbor, of the 18th District is pushing a piece of legislation that could hurt tobacco sales by erecting large posters depicting the effects of tobacco use. Heinous and potentially offensive images of black lungs and mouth cancer are just some of the visuals that are planned to be included on the posters.

The bill requires tobacco retailers that these “public health messages” be placed at eye-level at least five feet away from the location of the tobacco products. Cooper’s legislation also mandates that there should be a minimum of one public health poster displayed per every four tobacco advertisements displayed.

If passed, retailers that violate requirements will have to shell out $250 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses will be punishable by a $750 fine. 

According to the Suffolk County Office of Health Education, tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the country. On average, it causes 430,000 deaths each year and racks up more than $89 billion in medical costs.

Cooper’s legislation said that the decline of tobacco sales recently stalled and about 20 percent of adults use tobacco products.

However, one Bayport gas station manager who chose not to give his name, said tobacco sales are still declining. The manager was not surprised by the new legislation, but said many people have already stopped buying tobacco products because of previous federal and state laws.

 “Cigarette sales are down about 40 percent now,” he said.

The source also said that there are many signs already citing the negative effects of smoking and tobacco use, such as the “Tobacco Kills” sign. More signs would definitely hurt business, he said.

However, Cooper’s legislation said that the decline of tobacco sales recently stalled and about 20 percent of adults use tobacco products.

Some Suffolk County legislators are on the fence about Cooper’s proposal. Legis. William Lindsay of the 8th District said he is considering the fact that it could adversely affect local businesses that sell tobacco, but it could benefit an individual’s health.

“I need to see the final version of Legislator Cooper’s legislation and I need to hear the public testimony before making my final decision,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay also said he thinks Legis. Cooper could face some roadblocks while trying to pass the bill. There is a big issue to consider: “I think that one difficulty could be trying to maintain a balance of public health and economic development considerations,” Lindsay said.

Several local gas station and convenience store representatives would not or could not comment on this issue at this time.