The maker of Skoal and Copenhagen smokeless tobacco sued the city claiming only the feds can regulate the sale of tobacco products.
Manhattan Federal Judge Colleen McMahon shot them down Wednesday, saying federal law allows communities to set their own policies about access to tobacco.
"This decision ... is not only a win for the children of New York City," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
"Our law is a good progressive law that will protect our youngest New Yorkers. If tobacco companies think they can fight common-sense legislation, this court decision clearly shows otherwise."
The 2009 law bars the sale of flavored cigars and chewing tobacco except in tobacco bars.
It does not cover flavored cigarettes or menthol chewing tobacco but focuses on flavors favored by teens - vanilla, chocolate, honey, candy, fruit-flavored and spiced.
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Manufacturing Co. could not be reached for comment.
David Mikael Taclino
Inyu Web Development and Design
Creative Writer
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