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Massachusetts hearing sees stark split over nicotine policy: advocates push bans, retailers warn of prohibition effects
Summary
Public‑health groups urged stronger tobacco controls — including internet sales bans and maintaining the menthol/flavor ban — while retailers and industry groups warned nicotine‑free generation proposals and adult‑only facility rules would push sales out of state and create enforcement problems.
Advocates for tobacco control, public‑health organizations and many municipalities testified in favor of stricter controls on flavored products, online sales and new restrictions aimed at preventing youth initiation. Lisa Phillips of Tobacco Free Mass told the committee that reversing the state's menthol and flavor restrictions would "set us back years, even decades" in preventing youth addiction and reducing racial disparities. The American Cancer Society's Massachusetts director said state evidence shows…
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