If you are ever in New York and fancy a can of whipped cream, be prepared to prove that you are old enough for it first. Yes, you need to be legally at least 21 years old in New York to be able to purchase your own whipped cream can.
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As reported by Times Union, this law is not new, having gone into effect last year. But it has started being enforced now, leading to people being both bemused and confused at the regulations imposed on this seemingly harmless dessert.
Whipped cream canisters are abused by some people
The reason for the current law is related to the canister nozzle of the whipped cream can. As the report states, these cans can be used as an inhalant to get high. The chargers inside the canister nozzle are full of nitrous oxide gas or laughing gas, which is known to be inhaled by some as a recreational drug.
This way of getting high goes by the name of 'whippets' among teenagers since it is done through whipped cream cans.
According to NBC News, this law was sponsored by New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, from Queens, and it came into effect from November 2021.
The report quotes Addabbo emphasising the need for the law saying,
The need to limit the access and sale of whippits first became apparent after receiving constituent complaints about empty canisters on neighborhood streets. Used whippits piling up in our communities are not only an eye sore, but also indicative of a significant nitrous oxide abuse problem.
The New York law banning whipped creams cans
The law makes it an offence to sell whipped cream canisters to those who are underage, with a $250 fine for a first offence and with fines of up to $500 for subsequent violations.
NBC News quoted Kent Sopris, the president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, who talked about the undue pressure on stores to become enforcers of law. He said,
Requiring age verification when purchasing whipped cream is another classic compliance burden placed on convenience stores in New York State.
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