The state Public Health and Health Planning Council voted Tuesday to move forward with a ban on flavored e-cigarette products in New York.

The ban is effective immediately but there will be a two week grace period on enforcement. However the governor’s office said that doesn’t mean stores are allowed to sell the rest of their inventory during that time.

The new restrictions will apply to vendors selling the products but not people who already have them in their possessions. This weekend the governor announced he was taking the emergency executive action in response to a series of deaths linked to vaping across the country.

Those who opposed the measure argued evidence shows the deaths seemed to be connected to the use of illicit and black market products, not the e-cigarettes many use and sell. However, in a statement following the council’s vote, Cuomo maintained a hard line – pointing to adolescent use as the key issues.

“It is undeniable that vaping companies are deliberately using flavors like bubblegum, Captain Crunch and cotton candy to get young people hooked on e-cigarettes – it’s a public health crisis and it ends today,” he said. “New York is not waiting for the federal government to act, and by banning flavored e-cigarettes we are safeguarding the public health and helping prevent countless young people from forming costly, unhealthy and potentially deadly life -long habits.”

Last week, President Donald Trump said he would be in favor of a ban but the federal government has not taken action yet. The state said flavors are largely responsible for the increase in young people using e-cigarettes.

Cuomo also promised to advance legislation preventing deceptive and misleading advertising to youths.

“The alarmingly high numbers of young people in New York State who are using vape products is nothing short of a public health crisis,” Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said. “These regulations are a part of many critical steps we are taking to combat this disturbing trend. We will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to prevent nicotine addiction and bad marketing practices under Governor Cuomo’s leadership.”

Critics said in banning flavored vaping, the administration could be pushing thousands of people who had used the product as a “reduced risk” tobacco alternative, back to smoking. Members of the industry said they are considering legal action.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Zucker will also evaluate over the next two weeks, whether the state should add menthol flavors to the ban. Some members of the panel and groups like the American Heart Association felt the executive order should have been amended to include menthol.

Local health departments will enforce the new rule with state guidance. Retailers who violate it will face fines of up to $2,000 per violation.