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NYC Mayor Bloomberg at It Again: Now He Wants to Hide Tobacco Products in Stores

Mar. 18, 2013 2:48pm Liz Klimas

NYC Major Bloomberg Proposal Would Force Retailers to Hide Tobacco Products

In this Aug. 3, 2010 photo, boxes of cigarettes are seen on shelves in a Brunswick, Maine store. If NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal goes through, displays like this would have to be hidden from plain view, unless it is a tobacco specialty shop. (Photo: AP/Pat Wellenbach)

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made quite a name for himself with his proposed regulations — some have been instituted while others have not — on trans fats, large sugary drinks, formula baby milk and polystyrene foam (commonly known as Styrofoam), among many others. His latest proposal employs the idea of “out of sight, out of mind” as it seeks to hide tobacco products from plain view at stores.

This proposal would be a first-in-the-nation, aimed at reducing the youth smoking rate. The legislation would require stores to keep tobacco products in cabinets, drawers, under the counter, behind a curtain or in other concealed spots. They could only be visible when an adult is making a purchase or during restocking.

As New York Mag’s Daily Intelligencer put it, these are measures that might “[sound] more effective for porn.”

Bloomberg said similar prohibitions on displays have been enacted in other countries, including Iceland, Canada, England and Ireland.

“Such displays suggest that smoking is a normal activity,” Bloomberg said. “And they invite young people to experiment with tobacco.”

Stores devoted primarily to the sale of tobacco products would be exempt from the display ban.

The mayor’s office said retail stores could still advertise tobacco products under the legislation.

“We have made tremendous strides in combating smoking in New York City but this leading killer still threatens the health of our children,” said Dr. Thomas A. Farley, the health commissioner.

Farley said the city’s comprehensive anti-smoking program cut adult smoking rates by nearly a third – from 21.5 percent in 2002 to 14.8 percent in 2011 – but the youth rate has remained flat, at 8.5 percent, since 2007.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death among New Yorkers, Farley said.

The legislation, to be introduced in the City Council on Wednesday, is comprised of two separate bills that Farley called “logical, important next steps to further protect our teens from tobacco.”

The second bill, called the “Sensible Tobacco Enforcement” bill, strengthens enforcement of discounted and smuggled cigarettes. It would prohibit the sale of discounted tobacco products, impose packaging requirements on cheap cigars and create a price floor for cigarette packs and small cigars. The city would have the authority to seal premises where there are repeat violations.

The bill would also increase penalties for retailers who evade tobacco taxes or sell tobacco without a license.

Bloomberg has backed a number of public health measures, including a crackdown on large sizes of sugary drinks and adding calorie counts to menus. A judge blocked the drinks ban but the city is appealing.

“People always say, ‘Oh, you’re doing these health things to raise money,’” Bloomberg said. “No, that is not the reason. We’re doing these health things to save lives.”

The bill would also prohibit retailers from redeeming coupons for tobacco products.

Here’s Bloomberg’s announcement (Note: The actual speech begins at 10:00):

Be sure to tune into TheBlaze TV tonight where Glenn Beck will discuss why he considers Bloomberg the “most dangerous man” in the nation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

–

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (86)

South Philly Boy
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:42pm
Old Dumberg at it Again

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 4:05pm
  This morning, Beck called Bloomberg the most dangerous person in America, replacing the former worst person, Sunstein. What Beck never states is that both are cultural changing, tradition destroying, I want to rule your life, Jewish progressives… the core of the communist movement, now called progressivism. It is history repeating itself, and it defies probability.
  
  http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Zionism_versus_Bolshevism
  
  Report this comment
- Yeah_Buddy
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 4:22pm
  How idiotic are New Yankers to elect this control freak? I bet some people had to vote multiple times to get this loser elected, like Obummer voters.
  
  Report this comment
- Captain America
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:14pm
  What will he not like next, green t-shirts?
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:16pm
  Now Beck is comparing Bloomberg to Soros, and their arrogance of power. What Beck again fails to point out is, Soros, like Bloomberg and Sunstein, is another cultural changing, tradition destroying, I want to rule your life, Jewish progressive… the core of the communist movement, now called progressivism. It is history repeating itself, and it defies probability.
  
  http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Zionism_versus_Bolshevism
  
  Report this comment
- Living In NYC
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:21pm
  Does this Bozo realize all the wasted effort and resources when business people try to comply with fools demands.
  
  Then at the last minute his freedom grabbing directives are struck down by a judge…Bozoberg quit wasting the taxpayers time and resources with you foolish demands!
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:43pm
  JERK ( why did you name yourself that ?! ) . I bet you hate the pope, too , and he isn’t Jewish ….
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 6:41pm
  Barber2, wrong on both counts. I’m a lover, not a hater. I love America, which is why I will always identify those who are actively working to destroy it. The facts are undeniable. Defies probability. You’ll eventually see, but most likely too late.
  
  Report this comment
- MLeo
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 7:44pm
  Next
  
  “BLOOMBERG: BAN SAVINGS ACCOUNTS!! SAVE YOURSELF!!”
  http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-03-18/london-cabbie-explains-great-eu-bank-robbery-and-much-much-more
  
  Report this comment
- dmerwin
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 8:31pm
  Why not make it illegal or tax a pack at 50 bucks. Oh, because like guns people will buy them somewhere else and fill the trunk. “Honey, I’m making a cigarette run to Jersey, want a big gulp?”
  Seriously, New Yorkers (with a job) why do you want to live there? Convince your company to headquarter in ANY of about 43 other states.
  
  Report this comment
- ltb
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 8:36pm
  I think Conservatives need to get behind Bloomberg. Seriously. We need to sacrifice NYC by getting conservative New Yorkers to back the most leftist candidates that can be found, then after the city council is stacked with lots of little Nazis, those conservatives need to move to Texas. It will be great fun as we set back and watch this liberal dystopia sink like an elephant in quick sand under the weight of corruption, high taxes and dictatorial edicts. Let’s give America a taste of what these people want to do to the rest of the country.
  
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powedj
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:40pm
Next move. Keep all food in grocery stores out of view.

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- Yeah_Buddy
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 4:23pm
  Keep all skinny people hidden, so the fatties don’t get upset and think their obesity is normal.
  
  Report this comment
Sargeking
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:29pm
The New Yorkers that continue to re-elect Mayor Doomberg deserve everything and more of what they get. Give it to them Doomberg. They love the pain! More, more, more….cry the subway crowds!

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- 65Mustang
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:37pm
  Isn’t it possible that his continued election’s are as fraudulent as Obama’s and other corrupt Democrats that are in office?
  
  Report this comment
- shorelineliz
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:55pm
  Glad you said it! New Yorkers MUST be the dumbest people ever! A bunch of low class people who want more rules and regulations and more FREE stuff.
  
  Report this comment
jakartaman
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:28pm
Ha Ha – New York deserves this Socialist elite dope!

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progdrum
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:26pm
I’m amazed he had not taken aim at tobacco earlier.

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cannon12pdr
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:21pm
Who died and made Bloomberg GOD?

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Vision Harry
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:20pm
I suggest that we only see or hear from politicians when we the people want to see or hear from them.
If they were not constitutionally mandated to perform “some?” duties, I would allow that they get 1 week to fulfill that responsibility. Period! This self serving band of mental midgets are living in a completely different sphere than you or I.

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Joss
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:18pm
Bloomberg will be downright shocked that he, too, is immortal. I can’t wait.

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Watcher1952
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:18pm
Again the voters of New York are getting just what they voted for….being controlled…..Oh and Colorado…you are getting what you voted for also….. LOCK & LOAD

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- barber2
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:59pm
  Hey, many of us did not vote for these idiots. Have some real reservations about all elections results these days.
  
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GuruMeditation
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:17pm
Hahahaha.

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LakeHartwellSailor
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:16pm
You would think that the Mayor would get a lot of nose bleeds while he’s sitting up there on his high pedistal.

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RightUnite
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:15pm
BLOOMTURD!!! Please, would you STFU!!!

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Navyguy62
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:15pm
When are we going to get legislation that will ban the public display of stupid politicians spreading socialist/communist dogma!!!?

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SteelJewel
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:12pm
I want to take my big cigar and blow smoke NYC Mayor Bloomberg face (multiple times), he’s an ID10T and has lost him mind.

Anyone who lives in that city gets the government they deserve, just keep the liberals, democrats and progressives away from the deep south they might fall in the gator pond. :)

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- NO HARNESS ON MY BACK
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 7:44pm
  nah he would be tarred and featered long before that
  
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Sargeking
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:09pm
I wish Mayor Doomberg would go into hiding, forever.

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MDECKER
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:08pm
The Mayor of New York is threatening the mental health of New York citizens. The Mayor should be placed on a shelf, behind the cigarettes, and underneath the porn of course.

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- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 4:10pm
  lol.
  
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pap pap
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:07pm
Hey Mayor GFY !!!

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Outlaw_Josey_Wales
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:07pm
When is Bloomberg going to ban ‘King Size Cigarettes’?

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- oldguy49
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:09pm
  hey…..don’t give blommy a hard time…after all new yorkers keep electing him
  
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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:06pm
Wants to keep you alive so when you get older Obamacare can do you in if a board says so. If I got to a store I usually know what I want and will walk around or ask until I find it. Nanny Bloomberg should clean out his own imperfections .My Doctor tells me what is right and wrong to keep me healthy. Time to vote him out people and let people be free and pay for their own mistake.

Isn’t there other work that the Mayor has to do besides being annoying and and trying to be controlling

BTW.. Mr. Bloomberg God knows all.

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The-Monk
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:04pm
Here is how you deal with this idiot. On every Bill or Law he wants to pass just put in a clause that bans or limits the size of Cheetos to 1/2 oz.

Yep, ole Bloomy Doomy is hooked on them. Just loves his Cheetos !!!

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- IMCHRISTIAN
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:15pm
  The Monk…now that is cruel and unusual punishment. oh, ok
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:15pm
  I think the progs favorite junk food is cheez it. ;) Why doesn’t Mike just ban tobacco altogether?
  Probably because the government makes more on the sale of tobacco than the tobacco companies. Progs really suck they’re always telling everyone else how to live,they even make BS laws to try and control us,bunch of worthless pigs.
  
  Report this comment
Skeeterhawk
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:01pm
In order to feel superior to the electorate, or think that you are superior, there must be, in your mind, minions and poor slobbering idiots below you.

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barber2
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 2:58pm
Yeah. Hide the tobacco right next to the butter and the salt.

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:56pm
  maybe the turd will accidentally get hit by a yellow cab and end up in a full body cast. hope.
  
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Outlaw_Josey_Wales
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 2:57pm
What’s next, hide the candy bars?

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- firearm
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:09pm
  No, chewing gum. Walking while chewing gum has caused many progressives to injure themselves..
  
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- Theycantbeserious
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:16pm
  Not it will be a war on processed meats. He will play hide the salami
  
  Report this comment
snixy
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 2:56pm
“A wise conquorer will, when possible, issue his demands in installments.” Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler. Like the camel’s nose under the tent for the past 40 years they have been nibbling and taxing and prohibiting and criminalizing the use of tobacco.

Watch how this works with guns.

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ArmedAndReallyPissed
Posted on March 18, 2013 at 2:55pm
Where Do You Live?
You might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots if :
> If you can get arrested for hunting or fishing without a license, but not for being in the country illegally .
> If you have to get your parents’ permission to go on a field trip or take an aspirin in school, but not to get an abortion .
> If the only school curriculum allowed to explain how we got here is evolution, but the government stops a $15 million construction project to keep a rare spider from evolving to extinction .
> If you have to show identification to board an airplane, cash a check, buy liquor, or check out a library book, but not to vote who runs the government .
> If the government wants to ban stable, law-abiding citizens from owning gun magazines with more than ten rounds, but gives 20 F-16 fighter jets to the crazy new leaders in Egypt .
> If, in the largest city, you can buy two 16-ounce sodas, but not a 24-ounce soda because 24-ounces of a sugary drink might make you fat .
> If an 80-year-old woman can be stripped searched by the TSA but a woman in a hijab is only subject to having her neck and head searched .
> If children are forcibly removed from parents who discipline them with spankings while children of addicts are left in filth and drug infested homes.
> If hard work and success are met with higher taxes and more government intrusion, while not working is rewarded with EBT cards, WIC checks, Medicaid, subsidized housing, and free cell phones

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- Skeeterhawk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:06pm
  I live in the Republic of Colorado comrade. I have to show an ID to get cough medicine and the purchase is reported to The Man. Spray Paint and tobacco is also concealed behind locked doors. We will soon have the most draconian gun statutes in the country as well. We do however have legalized dope, in state tuition for illegal aliens and gay marriage. How cool is that?
  
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- barber2
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:14pm
  SKEETER: Where can we go to escape this Big Brother mess ?! Unbelievable what the Democrats have done to this state during the past 4 years.
  
  Report this comment
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:20pm
  Barber2 To answer your question,nowhere,as Ronald Reagan said America is the last best hope of mankind and if we lose freedom here we’re done for. I contend we already lost most of our freedoms,just look at the draconian laws the progs come up with to micromanage our lives.
  
  Report this comment
- Skeeterhawk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:26pm
  Barber
  I’m not really sure. I love this place. It hurts so to see it corrupted with progressive thought and the idea that they know what is good for me. I live by the 10 Commandments and simply want to be left the hell alone. The direction Colorado is headed as well as our country makes me very sad. Not sad enough to bail but sad enough to get active to change it.
  
  Report this comment
- ArmedAndReallyPissed
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:26pm
  “Cool” isn’t the word i would use i guess. I live in Iowa ( said with Paper Bag over Head ) where we too have Gay Marriage. I don’t care what ANYONE else does, but MARRIAGE in my opinion, is ONLY BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN. If gays want to have a Legal Union, fine. Just Super awesome. But it should NOT be called MARRIAGE.
  Anywho…….This Kountry is sinking fast and Mein Fuhrer will make sure it is beyond repair by the time he ever gets out of the Jihad House ( what used to be OUR White House ).
  ILLEGAL Aliens have the Gates wide open now. FREE Health care, by Federal law. I don’t F-ing get what part of F-ing ILLEGAL people don’t understand !
  Our Kids are being Brain washed in our very own Public Schools. The list goes on and on and on.
  THE ONLY THING THAT MAKE TRUE CHANGE WILL BE CIVIL WAR. I’m locked and loaded and just waiting for someone to ask me to step forward. Oh, i better go. I think i see a Drone overhead now.
  
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- Vision Harry
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:29pm
  Thanks, ARP
  We may as well rename ourselves the Uncommon Sense of America.
  Well said
  
  Report this comment
- thegreatcarnac
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 3:34pm
  Reallypissed……………good article
  
  Report this comment
- Skeeterhawk
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 4:41pm
  ARMED
  Sarcasm my friend. Sarcastically cool………
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on March 18, 2013 at 5:57pm
  SKEETER: Share your feelings and plan to become more involved.
  ARMED: Agree but the Lefties seem to be not only planning to have all of the weapons and the ” organization ”
  to forgo what is needed , BUT seem to be inciting just what you mention. Now why would they be
  inciting that ? Hmmmmm….remember all of the trash talk about the Tea Party ? Being
  white racists ? Remember Obama’s ” clinging to their guns and Bibles” rhetoric ? Now they are going after guns which they know the NRA and many
  Americans are extremely defensive about . Why ? Like a red flag in front of a bull. Why ???
  
  Report this comment

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