No more menthol cigarettes: New ban on tobacco, vape flavors

In this photo tweeted by his office, Mass. Governor Charlie Baker signs a ban on flavored tobacco and vaping products.

BOSTON (AP) – Massachusetts has become the first state to ban flavored tobacco and vaping products. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill Wednesday.

The new law specifically restricts sale of the products to licensed smoking bars, where they’ll only be allowed to be consumed on-site.

The restriction extends to menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco. It also places a 75% excise tax on nicotine vaping products.

An industry group is criticizing the ban as intrusive and costly.

The New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association says in a statement that the legislation will fuel the black market and cost the state millions in tax revenue.

The group says it’s considering its options to ensure that adult customers have a right to buy legal smoking products.

Baker in September declared a public health emergency and ordered a temporary ban on the sale of all vaping products.

He says he’ll keep that ban in place until Dec. 11 while his administration drafts additional regulations.

 

More from 630WPRO.COM