Regulation & Legislation

Providence, R.I., Bans Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products

New laws also prohibit pricing, promotional strategies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence, R.I., Mayor Angel Taveras has signed and officially enacted laws to prevent the sale of noncigarette fruit- and candy-flavored tobacco products and to ban pricing and promotional strategies aimed at lowering the cost of tobacco products, such as buy-one-get-one-free.

Providence youth, particularly low-income children, are smoking at significantly higher rates than other Rhode Island youth, according to a statement issued by the mayor's office.

"Providence's children represent the future of our city, and we must put their health and wellness above the economic interests of the tobacco industry," said Taveras. "I am pleased to sign these ordinances, which will help reduce youth access to tobacco products and put Providence on the map as a leader in public health efforts."

The City Council recently adopted the legislation after reviewing research findings that show how strong public policy and careful oversight of tobacco helps to reduce youth smoking rates, the mayor said.

"Research suggests that by making it as inconvenient, difficult and expensive as possible for youth to obtain cigarettes, it reduces the number of youth who try or regularly smoke cigarettes," added Michael Fine, M.D., Rhode Island's director of health.

(See Related Content below for previousCSP Daily News coverage of the flavor ban issue.)

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Company News

When the C-Store Becomes the Destination

How some convenience retailers are positioning themselves as the place to be

Snacks & Candy

What Convenience-Store Consumers Are Craving in Candy, Snacks

Unwrapping the latest treats and trends from the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Trending

More from our partners