Massachusetts Flavored Tobacco Ban Statewide Under Chapter 270

Massachusetts enacted a comprehensive flavored tobacco ban in November 2019, with implementation in June 2020, codified at MGL Chapter 270 Section 6. The law prohibits sale of any flavored tobacco product including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, flavored smokeless tobacco, and flavored e-cigarettes. The only exception is for licensed smoking bars where adult patrons may consume flavored products on premises. The ban survived court challenges and remains the model for similar laws in other states. Retailers must remove all flavored products from inventory and signage.

Sale of flavored tobacco products carries fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation plus license suspension and seizure of contraband inventory under Department of Revenue and DPH rules.