Medford and Lexington Consider Generational Tobacco Ban This Week for Those Born After 2004

Medford and Lexington are considering a generational ban on tobacco sales this week, specifically targeting individuals born after January 1, 2004. This measure aims to prohibit these individuals from purchasing nicotine products throughout their lifetimes within these municipalities. Retailers have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed ban, citing potential negative impacts on their businesses. The initiative is part of a broader trend among Massachusetts cities and towns to implement similar generational bans. According to BU Law Professor Katharine Silbaugh, the tobacco industry is opposing these measures because they undermine their business model, which relies on addiction.