Westchester County Executive George Latimer shut down a bill that would have banned menthol flavored cigarettes.

Latimer vetoed the bill that was approved by the county Legislature in an 11-6 vote two weeks ago.

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Latimer says the bill is a sincere effort to reduce tobacco usage but adds there were still too many questions like how to enforce it.

The bill was opposed by several African American groups, as well as Middle Eastern and Arab America leaders, who said their communities would be impacted by such a ban.

Latimer says the county will instead fund a $3 million public education campaign and a multi-level program to ensure improved enforcement of the existing age limit to purchase tobacco.

The Legislature could override the veto if they get two-thirds of the 17-member board to vote yes.