N.Y. Governor Signs Ban on E-Cigarette Sales to Minors

ALBANY, N.Y. -- With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has now made it illegal to sell electronic cigarettes to minors in New York.

The governor signed the law, which prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 years old, on Wednesday. The bill passed both the state Assembly and Senate unanimously and will take effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

The governor also signed a measure that prohibits smoking within 100 feet of the entrances and exits or outdoor areas of any public or private school. Residences or residential property within the 100-foot perimeter is excluded. The law, which expands an existing ban on smoking on school grounds, takes effect immediately, according to a release from the governor's office.

"Cigarette smoking -- as well as exposure to secondhand smoke -- is dangerous, particularly for our children," Cuomo said. "These two new laws will strengthen our state's protections to help our young people avoid nicotine addiction as well as the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. I thank the sponsors of both these bills for their efforts to protect the health of our youth."