Massachusetts Town Bans Tobacco Sales to Those Born after 21st Century

According to La Voz, the town of Brookline, Massachusetts in the United States has passed an ordinance that prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone born after the 21st century. This regulation has become a model for strict crackdowns on tobacco products.

This regulation is the first of its kind in the United States, passed in Brookline in 2020. It was recently confirmed by the Supreme Court after a review last week, and may lead other communities to adopt similar bans. Ultimately, over the next few decades, all new generations may be unable to purchase tobacco. The law prohibits individuals born on or after January 1, 2000, from buying tobacco products.

Former Republican governor Charlie Baker had previously enacted a law in 2018 that prohibited anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing any tobacco products in the state, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes.

Supporters of the regulation argue that the state has the authority to take independent action to restrict the sale of harmful products.

However, most convenience store owners who rely on tobacco product sales oppose this and believe that this measure conflicts with the state law of 2018. The law allows people aged 21 and over to purchase tobacco products, which could result in distinguishing between two categories of adults: those who can buy cigarettes and those who cannot.