Ban a dangerous distraction
Right now the Connecticut General Assembly is struggling with unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic and the resulting impact on the state’s economy. It’s necessary that the legislature prioritize those issues that matter most to our communities such as facilitating vaccine distribution, reopening businesses, putting people back to work, providing mental health support, and keeping our streets safe. At a time when the state suffers from tremendous uncertainty, economic hardship, and a public health emergency, it’s critical that the General Assembly spend limited time on the most important issues and avoid distractions.
For the Latino community in Connecticut, there are many issues of importance that deserve focus. At a time when the delivery of education for our children is unclear, we must make sure there is a fair distribution of public education resources. As the recession disproportionately impacts our communities, we must make sure there is fair access to dwindling employment opportunities. During unstable times, it’s also more essential than ever that the Assembly focus on public safety and keeping our streets safe for police officers and citizens alike. These are the critical issues for the Latino community that deserve focus.
Yet despite the urgent matters we face, the Assembly is spending its time on issues that are not priorities for our community, such as SB 326, the proposed ban on flavored tobacco. Yes, there’s no question that the popularity of fruity, candy flavored e-cigarettes among young people is a public health issue that must be addressed with smart public policy. However, a ban on menthol cigarettes is not a threat to our community. A ban on menthol cigarettes will actually make matters worse by putting immigrant entrepreneurs out of business and bringing more crime to our streets.
As the former sheriff of New York City, I know the dangers that threaten urban areas in the metropolitan region. Violent street gangs that already make millions of dollars dealing illegal cigarettes alongside drugs and guns would like nothing more than a ban on menthol cigarettes. Gangs, organized crime outfits, drug cartels, and terrorists profit by buying or stealing cigarettes from one area and selling them in our cities. A ban on menthol won’t reduce demand, it will only make it more profitable for criminals who traffic in illegal tobacco.
Don’t just take my word for it. Massachusetts recently became the first state in the country to ban menthol cigarettes and the cross-border trafficking began immediately. While small businesses suffer in Massachusetts, people are rushing across the border to neighboring states to buy menthols and bring them back. Massachusetts is losing tax revenue it desperately needs as the pandemic inflicts pain on the state’s economy. Sadly, even despite the ban, tobacco-related violence continues to take a toll in Massachusetts. Last July a store clerk was shot in the head by a robber stealing cash and cigarettes.
While Massachusetts gives us a taste of what will happen after a statewide ban, we already have seen the deadly violence in other states. In 2018, San Francisco banned menthol cigarettes, and evidence of violence began immediately. Within six months, armed robberies of smoke shops and convenience stores in nearby Fresno spiked, reinforcing the danger posed to mom-and-pop retailers after a ban is passed. The last thing we need is more senseless crime in our communities.
A ban on menthol cigarettes won’t help young people in our communities or lead to positive health outcomes, but it will put immigrant retailers out of business and bring more violent crime to our streets. The General Assembly must focus on issues that matter to our community and avoid distractions that will do more harm than good for the people of Connecticut.