About the Campaign
We must end the sale of menthol cigarettes in New York City because they are much more addictive and dangerous than regular tobacco, hooking and killing thousands of New Yorkers every year, disproportionately targeting Black and Brown, Latino, Asian, LGBTQIA+ and lower income communities. Big Tobacco is profiting from the death of our friends, family and neighbors. It's time to end the sale of menthol cigarettes before they kill more of us.
For more than half a century, Big Tobacco has used menthol flavoring to successfully addict young people. Now, 54% of youth who smoke use menthol cigarettes—which are easier to start, more addictive and harder to quit. And due to heavy tobacco industry targeting, 88% of Black people who smoke, 50% of Hispanic Americans who smoke, and 45% of Asian Americans who smoke use menthol cigarettes, compared to just 31% of white smokers. Menthol use is also higher among LGBTQ communities, socially disadvantaged populations, those with mental health disorders, and pregnant women. This has had devastating health impacts on communities across our city.
The City Council must put the health of our kids and communities of color above tobacco industry profits — and get rid of ALL flavored tobacco products. Close the menthol loophole.
