On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a ban on the sale of flavored nicotine-laced liquid used in electronic cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, saying nicotine masked flavors like cotton candy, banana cream, watermelon, mint and other flavors entices kids into a lifetime of addiction and are disproportionately marketed to minority populations and youth.
As stated by Supervisor Malia Cohen, who is sponsoring the legislation, and quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle, “For too many years, the tobacco industry has gotten a pass as it selectively targets our communities with products that have been deceptively associated with fruits, mints and candy. Big tobacco loves vulnerable populations. They advertise 10 times more in black neighborhoods, and market gummy bears and cotton candy flavors near schools and in the LGBT community. … It’s done with intent and malice.”
The measure requires another final vote by the board next week, but is expected to pass. The law would take effect in April 2018.
While other cities have passed laws reducing access to flavored vaping liquids and flavored tobacco, San Francisco is the first in the country to approve a sales ban.
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