UTICA, N.Y. -- Utica Mayor David Roefaro says he supports the Family Smoking and Tobacco Control Act that is awaiting a vote by the U.S. Senate. The bill would give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products, including the way they are advertised.

The mayor visited several convenience stores throughout the city and photographed what he called subliminal advertising by tobacco companies. He says many are located near child eye level and in areas where children often visit, such as ice cream freezers.

The stores themselves do not control where these ads are placed, which is why he is in support of the government stepping in.

"I think they should take into consideration our youth, our young people. Not to make them grow up believing that this is ok, and I think their subliminal advertising does that," said Roefaro.

Roefaro says he has spoken to both Senators Schumer and Gillibrand about this topic and has also mailed letters to three tobacco companies expressing his concerns.