Vermont representatives passed a bill to end the sale of flavored tobacco products

Vermont representatives passed a bill to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in the state on Thursday, pleasing advocates who believe the flavors entice minors while discouraging opponents who see multiple problems with the bill, including its impact on border community businesses. S.18 came to the House last year, and its membership voted 83 to 53 to advance it on Thursday. A statement from the Flavors Hook Kids Vermont Campaign noted gratitude for the legislative decision. Opponents of the bill point out that it’s already against the law to sell such tobacco products to minors, and a complete ban in Vermont will only drive consumers elsewhere and especially harm businesses in Vermont border communities.