State Senator Joseph Addabbo (L) sponsored a bill last year that called for banning the sale of whipped cream cartridges (R) to individuals under the age of 21. The bill, which is now law, has caused confusion (Photos: Official portrait (L) and cartridges courtesy of Joseph Addabbo (R))
Aug. 31, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
State Senator Joseph Addabbo has sought to clarify details about a new law that he sponsored that bans the sale of whipped cream cartridges to individuals under the age of 21.
The law, which convenience stores in New York state have just started enforcing, is designed to prevent under 21s from being able to purchase whipped cream cartridges — known as ‘whippits’ — since they contain the potentially harmful gas nitrous oxide.
However, the lawmaker said some people have misinterpreted the specifics of the bill.
Some stores have put up signs in recent days requiring customers to show ID in order to purchase the dessert topping—causing confusion—since the new law just deals with the cartridges.
“My bill is not intended to prevent people under the age of 21 from buying whipped cream dispensers, but the small, individual charger or cartridge inside the whipped cream canisters that is the target of this law,” Addabbo said Monday.
Addabbo, who represents central and southeast Queens, said he sponsored the bill in order to prevent individuals under the age of 21 from inhaling the dangerous gas—often used to get high. He said the gas can be deadly if inhaled directly.
Under the legislation, stores that violate the law can be hit with a civil penalty of up to $250 for an initial offense and up to $500 for each subsequent offense.
The bill became law in November, but many stores have only just started enforcing it.
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