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California OKs ban of most flavored tobacco

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law that will ban the sale of most flavored tobacco products in the state starting Jan. 1.

The law signed Friday makes it illegal to sell — but not possess — tobacco products with flavors such as fruit, chocolate, candy, desserts, alcoholic beverages or menthol.

Retailers could be fined up to $250. Supporters say flavored tobacco is a gateway designed to hook youngsters.

Critics, such as e-cigarette producers, argue that their products help wean smokers from cigarettes and a ban would harm merchants.