SOUTH PORTLAND – Today, the South Portland City Council will hold a first reading and vote on a proposed ordinance to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol flavored products. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges City Council members to prioritize the health of children and historically marginalized communities over Big Tobacco’s interests and bottom line.
The following is a statement from ACS CAN Maine Director of Government Hilary Schneider:
“Tonight, the city of South Portland has the chance to protect generations of kids from Big Tobacco’s continued targeting by voting to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the city, without exemptions.
“Menthol, mint and other candy- and fruit-flavored tobacco products are a key part of the tobacco industry’s strategy to entice our youth into a potential lifetime of addiction. Research shows that flavors drive the unprecedented increase in youth tobacco uptake, with 81% of kids who have ever tried tobacco starting with a flavored product.
“Voting to end the sale of these products is sound public health policy that will pay out in dividends as fewer youth become addicted to these deadly products.
“On behalf of cancer patients, survivors, and all impacted by tobacco use, ACS CAN urges City Councilors to end the sale of flavored tobacco products and help protect our kids and community members from the many dangers of tobacco use.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.