Illuminating 25 Years of Landmark Progress and Great American Smokeout

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 – Look out for purple this Thursday, November 20, 2025! Landmarks across New York State will light up in purple to celebrate 25 years of the New York State Tobacco Control Program (NYS TCP). This event is part of a statewide effort to recognize the progress made in reducing the harms caused by tobacco use. Local landmarks to watch for include the Oncenter Convention Center, Barclay Damon Building, JMA Wireless Dome, National Grid, local hospitals, NYS State Fair Grounds, and City Hall.

For 25 years, the New York State Tobacco Control Program, together with local partners has worked to reduce tobacco use, prevent youth from starting, create smoke-free environments, and help people quit. These efforts have led to improvements in health and well-being of New Yorkers.

Highlights from the last 25 years:

  • The Clean Indoor Air Act (2003), protects people from secondhand smoke in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces.
  • Minimum Age of Sale (2019), required that a person be 21 years old to purchase tobacco or vapor products, to limit sale to minors.
  • The Flavored Vape Ban (2020), helps reduce youth access to addictive, flavored tobacco products.
  • End of Sale of Tobacco and Vapor Products in Pharmacies (2020), overall reduces access to tobacco products.
  • Adult Smoking Rates, New York reached a record low of 9.3%, showing the success in helping people quit.
  • Youth Tobacco Use, reached its lowest level since 2000, at 17.0%, highlighting continued progress in preventing youth initiation.

The illumination will take place on the same day as the Great American Smokeout, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society that encourages people to quit smoking for one day and take the first step toward lasting change. As our communities light up purple, it serves as a reminder to take steps toward a healthier future. Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s one of the best choices you can make for your health and for the health of those around you. See below for resources that can help you begin your quit journey.

Free support and cessation products are available: