Bar Harbor, Rockland ban flavored tobacco sales

Maine (WABI) - Bar Harbor Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products.

The ordinance means the end of the sale of any tobacco products with fruit, menthol, mint, chocolate and other flavors that some say are designed to appeal to children.

Bar Harbor and Rockland now join Bangor, Portland, South Portland and Brunswick in banning the products.

Penalties include fines from $50-$100 for first offenses and between $300 and $1,000 for each subsequent offense within 24 months.

”Isn’t it simply common sense to protect the health and long-term well-being of our children?” one attendee asked. “Don’t we know enough about the addictive power of nicotine to eliminate this new marketing scheme now in operation against our children?”

“The ban may be penalizing responsible store owners who are selling these products that are legal to sell to anyone over 21,” another attendee stated. “Taking the responsibility out of the hands of responsible adults does not solve the problem of kids getting flavored or unflavored tobacco products from irresponsible adults.”

The ordinance takes effect June 1.

Monday night, the Rockland City Council also voted unanimously on a similar ordinance, according to the Courier Gazettte.

The ban includes products such as electronic cigarettes and vape pens.

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