Expanded flavor restrictions linked to reduced sales in the Twin Cities

Expanding restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products to include menthol, mint, and wintergreen in Minneapolis and St. Paul was associated with greater decreases in sales of menthol cigarettes and smokeless tobacco than in other areas, according to a report in Tobacco Control. Sales of menthol e-cigarettes increased in both cities, although to a smaller degree than in other areas. Each city’s policy contains exemptions for menthol tobacco product sales in adult-only tobacco product shops and liquor stores. The authors concluded that their findings are consistent with other studies showing that more comprehensive flavored policies have a substantial effect on tobacco product sales. The results highlight the opportunities for retailer education and enforcement, the authors also said. Read the paper.