Tobacco and nicotine bans becoming more popular in Massachusetts

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (WLNE) — Some Massachusetts towns are trying to say goodbye to tobacco through new bans put in place to create what advocates call a “nicotine-free generation.”

Brookline was the first town in Massachusetts to implement the policy, which bans nicotine sales to anyone born in or after the year 2000.

The Massachusetts Department of Health said adults in the municipality who use commercial tobacco or nicotine products can still access these products.

Six communities in the Bay State have adopted the generational tobacco and nicotine bank, but the trend doesn’t come without criticism.

“I think adults over 21 should be able to make the choice that they make about what they want to consume and what they want to put in their bodies,” Executive Director for the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers’ Association Peter Brennan said. “We’re not talking about children here.”

He said the group represents over 7,000 retailers in the region.

The association said it is against the current bans and is working to spread the word.

“It would impact a 30-year-old, a 50-year-old,” Brennan said. “As long as they are born after a certain date, they will not be able to buy nicotine products in that city or town.”

Flyers have been set up in gas stations and convenience stores warning shoppers they may have to travel far to get tobacco products if the ban is in effect.

This is a picture of a flyer opposing an adult tobacco and nicotine ban. (WLNE)

“What we are trying to do with these flyers is get the information out before there is a vote or before the issue is taken up in a city or town,” Brennan said.

“In a state where you can buy legal marijuana in any flavor, buy alcohol, you can buy many age-restricted products, you can gamble in a casino,” Brennan said. “Why is nicotine all of a sudden public enemy number one?”

There are currently no plans to implement a ban in Southern Massachusetts.

“No elected official, resident, business owner, or special interest group has proposed a tobacco ban in New Bedford,” city spokesperson Jonathan Darling said.