Providence bans sale of flavored tobacco

The city of Providence has banned the sale of flavored tobacco and made illegal promotional strategies that cut the cost of cigarettes.

Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR'-us) signed ordinances recently passed by the City Council that ban the sale of tobacco in flavors such as strawberry, chocolate and blueberry. The orders also prohibit pricing strategies like "buy one, get one free."

City officials say young people in Providence smoke at a significantly higher rate than youth in Rhode Island as a whole. The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids says some 23,000 children under 18 in the Ocean State could die prematurely from a smoking-related illness.

State Department of Health Director Michael Fine said the new ordinances are important steps in helping reduce smoking among city youth.