UPTOWN ELECTED OFFICIALS, ADVOCATES ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO CURB TOBACCO & HOOKA USE AMONG MINORS

New York, NY - On Friday, February 3rd, NYC Council Member Rodriguez will join NYS Senator Marisol Alcantara, NYS Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa and advocates from Inwood Community Services at a press conference to announce recently introduced city legislation aimed at curbing tobacco and hooka sales to minors. The bill, Intro 1462, would require all stores selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products to keep from displaying these products openly. Stores would be required to keep all smoking products out of sight under the counter until the sale.

The bill was introduced by Council Member Rodriguez in response to the rampant use of hooka products in the Northern Manhattan community, including their prominent display in various corner stores. Concerns have arisen due to minors casually smoking hooka, with the notion that it is a safe product. Much of this stems from marketing that directly targets younger age groups through various flavors and colorful displays.

What: Press Conference on Legislation to Curb Tobacco & Hooka Use of Minors

Who: NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, NYS Senator Marisol Alcantara, NYS Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, Dr. Awilda Torres of Inwood Community Services

Where: IS 52, Academy and Broadway, Manhattan, NY

When: *Today* Friday, February 3rd, 2017, 10:00 AM