News

Portland moves towards banning flavored tobacco products

Portland moves towards banning flavored tobacco products

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Portland, Maine, is planning to join the growing national movement to ban the sale of flavored cigarettes because of public health concerns about marketing targeting children and marginalized people.

A city health committee voted to move the proposed ban to the city council on Tuesday. The city council will likely vote on the bill next month or at the beginning of next year, The Portland Press Herald reported.

If the proposal passes then it would go into effect in June 2022, joining Bangor as another Maine city to adopt a flavored cigarettes ban.

Portland’s proposal is following two bills that proposed a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products but failed to move forward in the Maine Legislature.

The proposed ban would prohibit the sale and consumption of flavored tobacco products, which includes any smell or taste relating to fruit, menthol and candy.

Kirsten Goodrich, who runs the city’s tobacco prevention program said that 85% of Black smokers and 36% of LGBTQ smokers use flavored cigarettes products. The ban is “critical to promote health equity,” she said.

Anyone who would violate the ordinance would be fined $100 to $500 for each offense, the newspaper said.

Latest Headlines

14 hours ago in Local

Graham Platner campaign manager resigns after controversial posts online resurface

Campaign Director Genevieve McDonald resigned from her post as campaign director yesterday, saying that the views expressed by Platner weren't values she could stand behind.

1 day ago in Local

Judge sentences Maine man to 38 years for the killing of his stepson

An Oxford man was sentenced Friday to 38 years behind bars for the killing of his stepson.

1 day ago in Local

Wardens offer $3,000 reward after lynx found dead in Aroostook County

Maine Game Wardens are offering $3,000 for information about the illegal killing of a Canada lynx.

2 days ago in Local

High Trails at Baxter State Park Closed for Season

The closure includes Owl Trail, which is the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail

2 days ago in Local

New York Man Tracked Down For Maine Murder

Maine State Police say the investigation is ongoing.