Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a sweeping proposal to phase out tobacco sales by targeting younger generations.
The plan, to be filed in 2025, would prevent anyone born after a specified date from ever purchasing tobacco products, ensuring new smokers cannot legally emerge over time.
The state has already implemented strict measures, including raising the smoking age to 21 and banning flavored tobacco sales. However, critics, like Peter Brennan of the New England Convenience Store Association, argue the policy would harm small businesses and push sales to neighboring states.
Similar bans have been introduced in cities like Brookline and explored internationally, but broad adoption faces legal and political hurdles.
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