SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law that will ban the sale of most flavored tobacco products in the state starting Jan. 1.
The law signed Friday makes it illegal to sell — but not possess — tobacco products with flavors such as fruit, chocolate, candy, desserts, alcoholic beverages or menthol.
Retailers could be fined up to $250. Supporters say flavored tobacco is a gateway designed to hook youngsters.
Critics, such as e-cigarette producers, argue that their products help wean smokers from cigarettes and a ban would harm merchants.
