1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. There has been a proliferation of flavored cigarettes in recent years, and many of these products have fruit, chocolate or other flavors that are particularly attractive to children;
b. According to public health experts, the existence of these products increases the incidence of tobacco use among children;
c. The earlier a person begins using tobacco, the more likely the person will become addicted to tobacco products and continue to smoke throughout that person's life;
d. As a result, flavored cigarettes lead to increased tobacco use and addiction, higher health care costs, and a greater incidence of smoking-related illness and death; and
e. Therefore, flavored cigarettes pose a significant threat to the health of the general public, and the protection of the public health warrants that the sale and distribution of these products be prohibited in this State.