Massachusetts Supreme Court Upholds Brookline's Tobacco-Free Generation Bylaw

On March 8,2024, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) affirmed Brookline's Tobacco-Free Generation bylaw.  This regulation restricts the sale of tobacco products to anybody born on or after January 1, 2000.  The court determined that the bylaw does not violate equal protection standards and is a reasonable method to limiting tobacco consumption. It underlined the lengthy history of local tobacco restriction and declared that the bylaw is consistent with state regulations. Appellants, comprising various firms and people, submitted arguments opposing this prohibition. Following oral arguments, the Supreme Judicial Court confirmed the decision, confirming the validity of Brookline's bylaw.