New law limits tobacco sales in Canton

CANTON, Mass. — The Town of Canton has passed new laws limiting who can sell tobacco and what products they can stock.

This year in Canton, there is now less of a choice when it comes to tobacco; no more flavors for cigarettes or e-cigarettes. This is all in an effort to prevent teens from ever starting to smoke.

"I don't know a whole lot of adults who will pick up a cigarette because it tastes like bubblegum, but kids will and same with e-cigarettes," said Director of Public Health John Ciccotelli.

Ciccotelli says this effort began in 2013 when the town raised the age to buy tobacco to 21. Canton now has stopped issuing permits allowing businesses to sell tobacco products. The 25 that currently have that permit are it.

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"Hopefully over time there will be enough atrophy to reduce the number of tobacco permits to zero," said Ciccotelli.

Some residents are happy to invite the change, while others say the change isn't going to stop them from smoking.

One local business said they've already seen business drop 35 percent.

"It took away a lot of business from us. If they can't get it here, they can go to the next town and get it," said Hicham Benkhouhia, Canton Market.

Ciccotelli says he understands the push back, but says when it comes to public health, he's OK with the controversy.

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"Considering the numbers of people who die every year as a result of tobacco and second hand smoke, I think it's a huge problem," said Ciccotelli.

He says the town wants to see how these laws go before taking any further steps, but he hopes one day Canton will be tobacco free.

Cox Media Group