From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts on Wednesday became the first state in the country to prohibit retail sales of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
Gov. Charlie Baker also announced that the state’s temporary ban on vaping product sales will now end on Dec. 11, when public health officials are set to adopt a new set of permanent vaping regulations. The sale of flavored tobacco vaping products will still be prohibited on that date under the new law signed by Baker.
Pitched as a way to help protect children from the dangers of nicotine addiction but criticized by adult e-cigarette users, retailers and lawmakers from border communities, the legislation also imposes a 75% excise tax on vaping products.
“We are grateful for this landmark legislation and know it will go a long way forward in addressing this epidemic, specifically in aiding our response to this epidemic for our youth and young people, with the simple goal of not allowing another generation to become addicted to nicotine,” Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said after Baker signed the bill. “As a physician and commissioner of the Department of Public Health, I will continue to recommend that people not use any vaping or e-cigarette products. These products are not safe.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191127/mass-is-first-state-to-ban-flavored-tobacco
Recent post on the Legislative action to ban flavored tobacco products
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/ma-senate-passes-landmark-legislation.html
Governor Baker's press release
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-announces-plan-to-keep-vaping-product-ban-in-place-until-december-11th-signs
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| Governor Baler's twitter photo on the legislation signing |
"Despite Gov Charlie Baker’s announcement Wednesday that a state ban on all vape products will end on Dec. 11, as the state works on additional regulations, at least one vape shop owner says the damage has already been done.
David Bershad, co-owner of Vape Daddy’s, which has stores in Framingham and Newton, said he’s lost $500,000 since the four-month ban started on Sept. 24. Bershad said he’s waiting to see if there’s a class-action lawsuit against Baker by businesses looking to recoup their losses.
If there is, Bershad said he’ll join it.
″(Baker) hasn’t solved any problems. People are still going to die,” Bershad said, referencing the three deaths in Massachusetts that are linked to vaping. “A fourth victim is going to happen.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191127/merchants-early-end-to-vape-ban-doesnt-help
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