Danvers Enacts Strict Rules On Flavored Tobacco Sales

DANVERS, MA -- Danvers joined 114 other Massachusetts communities Thursday night when the board of health passed new rules that will limit the sales of flavored tobacco products to places where customers must be 21 years old or older. The new rules, which go into effect next year, mean you will only be able to buy flavored tobacco products in cigar bars, smoke shops and vape stores. The new rules do not apply to menthol- or mint-flavored cigarettes.

The move comes as health officials try to curb underage tobacco use, according to the Danvers Herald, which first reported this story. But critics said that puts many of the 27 businesses licensed to sell tobacco in Danvers at a disadvantages, including convenience stores.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).