Mayor Taveras Signs City Council Ordinances to Protect Youth, Community Members from Harmful Effects of Tobacco, Deceit of Tobacco Industry

New laws will prevent the sale of fruit- and candy-flavored, non-cigarette tobacco products and ban tobacco pricing and promotional strategies in the capital city.

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, joined by City Council members, youth and community members, today signed and officially enacted laws to prevent the sale of non-cigarette fruit- and candy-flavored tobacco products, and ban pricing and promotional strategies aimed at lowering the cost of tobacco products, such as buy-one-get-one-free.

"Providence's children represent the future of our city, and we must put their health and wellness above the economic interests of the tobacco industry," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "I am pleased to sign these ordinances, which will help reduce youth access to tobacco products and put Providence on the map as a leader in public health efforts."

The City Council recently adopted the legislation after reviewing research findings that show how strong public policy and careful oversight of tobacco helps to reduce youth smoking rates. Although the FDA banned flavored cigarettes in 2009, non-cigarette flavored tobacco products such as cigars, cigarillos and dissolvable products that come in flavors like strawberry, peach, chocolate and blueberry are increasingly popular with youth because of their taste and cheaper price tag.

In addition, evidence-based research shows that increasing the cost of a pack of cigarettes is the single most effective deterrent to smoking. According to the American Lung Associaiton, a 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by about 7 percent for youth and 4 percent for adults.

"It is our responsibility, as elected officials, parents and neighbors, to protect our youth from initiating the dangerous, addictive habit of tobacco use," said City Council President Michael Solomon (Ward 5)."Together, these regulations will help us build a healthier, stronger and safer city for our children."

Tobacco use is a major public health threat to Providence youth. Providence youth, particularly low-income children, are smoking at significantly higher rates than other Rhode Island youth. According to the Campaign for Tobbacco Free Kids, an estimated 23,000 children currently under age 18 in Rhode Island could die prematurely from a smoking-related illness, and an estimated 1,300 Rhode Island children under age 18 will become new daily smokers each year.

"Today we are celebrating another victory in the campaign to protect our children and community, and standing united against advertising and marketing tactics that entice young consumers of tobacco products," said City Council Majority Leader Seth Yurdin (Ward 1). "I am pleased to see the City Council and Mayor support these important legislative acts, which will help contribute to the long-term health of our city's children and youth."

Annual health care costs in Rhode Island directly caused by smoking total $506 million, including $179 million under the state Medicaid program, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

"Research suggests that by making it as inconvenient, difficult and expensive as possible for youth to obtain cigarettes, it reduces the number of youth who try or regularly smoke cigarettes," said Michael Fine, MD, Director of Health. "The City of Providence has taken important steps in helping reduce tobacco use among our vulnerable youth and all community members in our capital city."

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Tobacco-Free Providence Campaign
The Tobacco-Free Providence Campaign is working to build a healthier, safer and stronger community that is free from the harmful effects of tobacco. The Campaign is bringing community members together to make it harder for underage kids to buy tobacco; prevent kids from buying single cigarettes, or loosies; limit sales practices that make it easier and cheaper to buy tobacco; create tobacco-free schools and public housing; and provide free nicotine replacement and classes for adults that want to quit tobacco. Tobacco-Free Providence is supported by The Providence Mayor's Substance Abuse Prevention Council in partnership with the R.I. Department of Health, and made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, visit www.tobaccofreeprovidence.org.

Mayor's Substance Abuse Prevention Council
The Mayor's Substance Abuse Prevention Council (MSAPC) aims to protect youth and prevent harmful alcohol and drug use by implementing evidence-based programs, building awareness, providing effective education, supporting comprehensive environmental strategies and promoting the health and wellness of communities. For more information, visit www.msapc.org.

Rhode Island Department of Health
The Department of Health (HEALTH) strives to prevent disease and to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island. It is a diverse and interactive state agency with broad-ranging public health responsibilities that are aimed at ensuring all Rhode Islanders receive quality healthcare and live in a safe and healthy environment. As the state's sole health department, HEALTH relies on its partnership with community and professional groups throughout the state to achieve its vision and bring critical public health programming into Rhode Island neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.health.ri.gov.