Retailers in South Portland, Maine will no longer be permitted to sell tobacco products with any flavor or scent relating to fruit, menthol, wintergreen, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, honey, or any candy, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb, or spice.
The city council passed a ban with a vote of 5 to 2, which immediately affects stores currently without a tobacco license in the state. The enforcement date for the ban is April 1st, 2023, and for those currently selling flavored tobacco products, they are allowed to sell their existing inventory.
Opposing lawmakers and members of the public have pointed out that the widespread use of seasoning products is an easier way to quit smoking completely.
Those who support the ban, including local healthcare and education workers, point out that the marketing of flavored products provides a pathway to potential long-term tobacco addiction, which can begin as early as primary school.
Following Portland, Brunswick, and Bangor, South Portland is now the fourth city in the state of Maine to ban flavored tobacco products.
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