Flavored tobacco products are no longer allowed in Falmouth, Maine, as the town council made the decision on Monday night. Falmouth is now part of other Maine towns, like Bangor, Bar Harbor, and Portland, that have already banned such products.
Councilor Amy Kuhn shared her excitement about joining other communities in protecting kids. The ban aims to stop young people from getting addicted to nicotine, and the council pointed to research showing that flavored tobacco is attractive to younger kids.
Some councilors raised concerns, saying the ban might hurt store owners and that older residents rely on flavored nicotine products to quit smoking. Councilor Jay Trickett mentioned that for them, the ban might lead to a return to smoking.
The new rule will start on March 12, 2024.
