Res. No.1927
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass the Family Smoking and Prevention Act.
By Council Members Felder, Comrie, Gentile, James and Koppell
Whereas, Tobacco is one of the deadliest consumer products and is often the cause of many chronic diseases such as cancer, lung disease and various cardiovascular diseases; and
Whereas, Smoking remains the number one preventable cause of death in the United States and results in more than 400,000 deaths each year; and
Whereas, Despite claims from major tobacco companies, the World Health Organization affirms that all tobacco products contain nicotine; and
Whereas, According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine indirectly causes a release of dopamine to the brain regions that control pleasure and motivation, a reaction similar to that seen with cocaine and heroin; and
Whereas, According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the United States, approximately 3,600 young people ages 12 to 17 initiate cigarette smoking and each day approximately 1,100 young people become daily cigarette smokers; and
Whereas, According to the National Cancer Institute, 23% of high school students and 8% of middle school students in the United States are cigarette smokers; and
Whereas, A 2000 Surgeon General report states that regulating cigarette advertising and promotion, particularly that directed at young people, is very likely to reduce the prevalence and initiation of smoking; and
Whereas, The Federal Cigarette Labeling Act (FCLA) precludes States and localities from imposing prohibitions on advertising and promotion of cigarettes to protect the health of its citizens; and
Whereas, H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking and Prevention Act would amend the FCLA by permitting a state or locality to ban or restrict the time, place and manner of advertising and promotion of cigarettes to reduce smoking; and
Whereas, H.R. 1256 would thus allow New York City to impose specific bans on the advertising of cigarettes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass the Family Smoking and Prevention Act.
R.C.
LS # 7109
3/26/09