Maine Governor Celebrates Ban on Flavored Cigarettes

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September 25, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – At a Blaine House ceremony, Maine Governor John E. Baldacci joined students, legislators and public health officials and organizations to celebrate two recent laws limiting marketing and access of tobacco products to minors.

The laws: LD 1361, “An Act Concerning Certain Flavored Cigarettes and Cigars,” and LD 184, “An Act to Protect Children’s Health on School Grounds,” together augment Maine’s reputation as one of the most successful states in tobacco prevention and treatment.

The Governor thanked those in attendance for keeping this issue in the forefront among policymakers. He said continued vigilance is necessary because tobacco companies are relentless in their pursuit of addicting new – and often young – people.

“I was outraged to see the candy and fruit flavored tobacco products being sold,” said Governor Baldacci. “Tobacco companies focus on young people because they know that two-thirds of smokers start by the age of 18. Not surprisingly, the tobacco companies are becoming more and more aggressive with their flavored tobacco products and other means to target youth.

The Governor said now is not the time to become complacent. Despite recent progress, including Maine earning straight A’s on the Lung Association’s Annual Tobacco Report card.

“Sixteen percent of our high school students still smoke,” said Governor Baldacci. “This number is too high. The tobacco industry has not given up and neither can we.”

The flavored cigarette and cigar ban, sponsored by State Sen. Peter Mills, prohibits the sale or distribution of such products beginning July 1, 2009. The school grounds law, sponsored by State Sen. Karl Turner, makes schools tobacco-free environments, including when school is not in session, such as during sporting events.

“These bills protect our children from the adverse effects of tobacco,” said Governor Baldacci. “This is a shared commitment by government, schools, advocate groups, and communities across our state. I am proud that Maine is again on cutting edge on tobacco use, an important part of our goal to have Maine be the healthiest state in the nation.”

Source: Maine Governor