New York City’s ban on flavored tobacco products has been upheld.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday sided with a lower court’s decision upholding an ordinance restricting the sale of the tobacco products except in a tobacco bar.

The ordinance was approved by the city council and signed into law in October, 2009 in an effort to reduce teen smoking.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn lauded the ruling, saying the city remains committed to “protecting children and young adults from these harmful products disguised with sweet flavors and brightly colored packaging.”

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Manufacturing Company LLC, whose brands include Copenhagen and Skoal, and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands Inc. had sought to overturn the ban. A telephone message seeking comment was not immediately returned.

(AP)