DC To Ban Sale Of Flavored Tobacco, Menthol Cigarettes: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The D.C. Council voted Tuesday to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in the District, including menthol cigarettes.

The 8-to-5 vote came after a debate in which council members who opposed the ban raised concerns that the law could create opportunities for Black smokers to be harassed by police. The city also could unfairly target a smoking choice preferred by Black residents, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

It was the council’s second vote in favor of the legislation, meaning that it now heads to the desk of Mayor Muriel Bowser, who supports the ban and is expected to sign it into law.

Read The Washington Post's full story on the vote to ban flavored tobacco.