Mass. bill would ban e-cigarette sales to minors

BOSTON (AP) - Children and teens would be banned from buying electronic cigarettes under a bill being proposed on Beacon Hill.

The bill would restrict the sale of any tobacco or nicotine delivery product to minors and prohibit use of the products on public school grounds.

The bill would also apply existing state public and workplace smoking bans to electronic cigarette use and restrict the distribution of product samples.

The bill's chief sponsor state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez said the goal of the legislation is to modernize Massachusetts' tobacco laws which don't take into account the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes.

The Boston Democrat said minors are currently able to buy e-cigarettes unless cities or towns pass local laws banning the sales.

Sanchez said 12 other states are already regulating electronic cigarettes.

Cox Media Group