Massachusetts' highest court allows Brookline ban on tobacco sales for adults born this century

Critics are unhappy as the state Supreme Judicial Court upholds Brookline's ban on selling tobacco to anyone born this century. Justice Wendlandt found the ban aligned with state law but convenience store owners are against it. Advocates support the decision for public health. Brookline is known for strict tobacco regulations, being the first to ban smoking in public places. The ruling is seen as groundbreaking, gaining interest from other towns and even sparking similar proposals in California. Despite opposition claiming it restricts freedom, the ban is upheld for its health benefits, with advocates hoping it will inspire other places to combat the tobacco epidemic.