Three stores have filed suit against the Somerville Board of Health, challenging a law that bans the sale of e-cigarettes, along with menthol and mint flavored tobacco, in most stores.The board voted last December to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes in the city. Starting April 1, the sale of both menthol and e-cigarettes will be restricted to 21+, adult-only tobacco retail stores. "The new regulations will end the practice of allowing such products to be sold in retail establishments open to youth," the city said in a release announcing the new restrictions.The decision is not sitting well with smokers or retailers.Three stores filed suit against the Somerville Board of Health, calling the new regulations "arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with law."Vaidhee Patel, the owner of the Union Square Smoke Shop, said the city was "doubling down on failed policies.""It's time for us to demand sound public health polices, and truly protect minors, adults' rights and our businesses," Patel said.Somerville is the first municipality in the Commonwealth to pass this type of regulation.

Three stores have filed suit against the Somerville Board of Health, challenging a law that bans the sale of e-cigarettes, along with menthol and mint flavored tobacco, in most stores.

The board voted last December to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes in the city.


Starting April 1, the sale of both menthol and e-cigarettes will be restricted to 21+, adult-only tobacco retail stores.

"The new regulations will end the practice of allowing such products to be sold in retail establishments open to youth," the city said in a release announcing the new restrictions.

The decision is not sitting well with smokers or retailers.

Three stores filed suit against the Somerville Board of Health, calling the new regulations "arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with law."

Vaidhee Patel, the owner of the Union Square Smoke Shop, said the city was "doubling down on failed policies."

"It's time for us to demand sound public health polices, and truly protect minors, adults' rights and our businesses," Patel said.

Somerville is the first municipality in the Commonwealth to pass this type of regulation.

