CC WORKSESSION PACKET 04132021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

4/7/2021 Menthol Cigarettes Kill Many Black People. A Ban May Finally Be Near. - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/22/health/methol-smoking-ban.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=bd8daf2b-5b8f-41c2-9965-e86e972f975f 4/4 The Center for Black Health and Equity, a nonprofit organization in North Carolina, has also pushed hard on the issue, enlisting churches to sponsor “No Menthol Sundays.” In recent years, the tobacco industry has joined forces with certain civil rights activists, among them the Rev. Al Sharpton, who according to the California Department of Public Health, visited Black communities in the state, raising fear that a menthol ban would give the police an excuse to stop and frisk more Black individuals. Mr. Sharpton also helped to defeat a ban in New York. Ms. Bass has lost patience with that argument, saying a ban would prohibit selling menthol cigarettes, not possessing them. Ms. Bass said that a majority of lawmakers, including those in the Congressional Black Caucus, favor banning all tobacco flavors, including menthol. Eighty percent of the Congressional Black Caucus members voted last year for legislation that would have banned menthol cigarettes. Marc Scheineson, a lawyer with Alston and Bird, who represents small tobacco companies, believes that Representative James Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, may be the decisive vote. Mr. Clyburn was instrumental in developing support for Mr. Biden among Black Americans during his presidential campaign. “He can get whatever he wants,” Mr. Scheineson said. “I’m sure he’s got a wish list, but I’m sure all the African-American groups are coming to him and he’s got to prioritize.” Last year, Mr. Clyburn was absent for the House vote on legislation that would have banned menthol cigarettes. He has kept a low profile on the issue, not lobbying for tobacco companies but not standing in the way, either. Mr. Clyburn did not return requests seeking comment. Dr. Gottlieb believes the Biden administration will finally ban menthol cigarettes. “We opened the door on this in a Republican administration,” he said. “You don’t think a Democratic administration will finish the business? Of course they will.” Advocates hope President Biden, whose campaign had strong support from Black voters and who has put addressing health inequities front and center, will come out in favor of a ban.Bryan Thomas for The New York Times