215.2009
RESOLUTION CONCERNING TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND
CHILDREN’S HEALTH
RESOLUTION NO.: 215, 2009
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHEREAS, tobacco use kills over 25,000 New Yorkers every year, yet is the leading
preventable cause of death in our communities, and
WHEREAS, in New York State alone, the tobacco industry spends $516 million annually to
market its deadly products, and
WHEREAS, every day another 4,000 American children start to smoke and another 2,000
become regular, daily smokers, and
WHEREAS, in New York State the average age at which smokers try their first cigarette is
14½, and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that tobacco advertising in retail stores has a powerful
influence on teens who are significantly more likely to smoke due to advertising than to peer
pressure, and
WHEREAS, in the Capital Region, the 2008 Annual Community Survey undertaken by the
Southern Adirondack Tobacco Free Coalition in conjunction with Syracuse University shows that
52% of adults think tobacco advertising in stores should not be allowed on the outside of store
buildings, and
WHEREAS, in the Capital Region, 70% of adults surveyed in the above-mentioned research
research think tobacco advertising should not be allowed on the outside of any stores or gas stations
within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds or daycare facilities, and
WHEREAS, retail stores are an integral part of our community and there are many ways that
retail stores can help keep children and teens from viewing tobacco advertisements, which are a
major factor in youth initiation of tobacco use,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, for the health of the youth of our community, the Queensbury Town Board hereby
calls all retailers to voluntarily reduce overall tobacco advertising in their place of business and to
eliminate tobacco advertising from areas likely to be seen by children, including ads placed below five feet
(5’) high, near candy, ice cream and toy displays and on counter tops, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to
forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Southern Adirondack Tobacco Free Coalition.
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Duly adopted this 15 day of June, 2009 by the following vote:
AYES : Mr. Stec, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer
NOES : None
ABSENT : None
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