Legislative Black Caucus backing curbs on tobacco

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland is concerned about the toll smoking has taken on the African-American community and is leading an effort to restrict access to tobacco products. The Washington Post reports that the caucus is pushing for Maryland to join places that have raised the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. Currently, six states have banned cigarettes sales to people younger than 21. The proposed legislation comes on the heels of an announcement that the Food and Drug Administration will impose restrictions to block the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to children and eventually ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The bill’s lead sponsor, Del. Dereck E. Davis, says he thinks the bill is overdue but expects a tough fight from retailers who profit off the sale of tobacco products. swept the building and said there was no sign of the suspects inside, police said. The SWAT team turned the investigation over to detectives just before 8 a.m.