A Look at Brooklyn Massachusetts City Laws People born on or after January 1, 2000 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes and tobacco. We hope to reduce the rate of smoking among our children.
Today, many countries have launched different strategies or policies to try to reduce the smoking rate among their citizens. There may be threats and fear. Use advertising to stimulate awareness or use high prices and taxes to discourage people from buying cigarettes.
But in one city in the US state of Massachusetts a special law has been adopted. And interestingly enough, it could be an example for other cities or countries to adapt and follow.
this is the law. “The sale of cigarettes and tobacco to anyone born in the 21st century is prohibited.”
This decree concerns the city of Brooklyn, which has a population of about 60,000 people.The sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2000 is prohibited. Valid since 2021
Previously, Massachusetts law stated that anyone under the age of 21 was prohibited from purchasing any tobacco products in the state, including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. As of 2022, about 10.4% of adults in Massachusetts smoke.
With this ordinance issued by the City of Brooklyn it will not only be those under the age of 21 who cannot afford to purchase. But anyone born in 2000 or older will no longer be able to buy cigarettes in the city.
What's interesting is last week the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in his favor. Other cities are allowed to enact similar ordinances as well.
This means if this law spreads to other cities and states over the next few decades, all people in the future will eventually stop smoking. It continues like this from generation to generation. But of course, this is just wishful thinking. It is difficult to know whether it will actually happen or not.
Supporters of Brooklyn's law point to recent moves by the state Supreme Court that recognize the power of local communities to enact their own measures to limit the sale of dangerous products.
However, legal critics opposed it to convenience store owners, who depend on the sale of tobacco products for a large portion of their revenue, arguing that the Brooklyn law conflicts with state law.
But the Massachusetts Supreme Court sided with Brooklyn. She noted that cities “have a long history of regulating tobacco products. To reduce the harmful health effects of tobacco use… Importantly, state laws, ordinances and local regulations can often exist side by side… This applies “Especially on decrees and regulations. Which we have recognized is important for a long time.”
Peter Brennan, executive director of the New England Association of Convenience Stores and Energy Marketers, said the group is considering the possibility of appealing the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
John Hurst, president of the Massachusetts Retail Merchants Association, also criticized the decision. She said the decision could lead to a mix of rules.
“351 different rules don’t make sense for interstate commerce. Local government should prioritize schools. Public safety, trash services, etc.,” Hurst said.
Mark Gottlieb, executive director of the Institute for Public Health Advocacy Northeastern University School of Law, and a Borklin representative said the city's approach only targets the next generation of tobacco users. Not a current buyer
“This latest decision makes clear that any city in Massachusetts can begin setting a time limit to end the sale of tobacco products by following Brooklyn’s example without fear of legal challenge,” Gottlieb said.
Compiled from News agency
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