WASHINGTON, DC – The DC Council has passed a bill that ends the sale of some flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Washington, DC Government Relations Director Jocelyn Collins released the following statement:
“The DC Council has taken a step to protect the health of all District residents. For decades, the tobacco industry has aggressively targeted the District’s Black communities with menthol cigarettes. Now, we are seeing Big Tobacco relentlessly target our youth with flavored tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and flavored cigars.
“Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death and more than 800 District residents die each year due to tobacco related illnesses.
“While we deeply appreciate the Council’s commitment to resolve the growing epidemic of tobacco use among our youth, we needed to take a comprehensive approach in ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including hookah. A selective flavored tobacco sales restriction that allows access to these products can entrench existing health disparities and increase the health harms borne by these communities.
“Nevertheless, we thank the Council for passing this measure that will protect the health of District residents and save lives. ACS CAN calls on Mayor Bowser to sign this legislation immediately.”
About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.