RI city to delay enforcement of new tobacco rules

The city of Providence has agreed in federal court to delay enforcing two new ordinances tightening rules for selling tobacco.

Federal court records show the delay is part of an agreement reached with several tobacco companies and others who have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Providence that challenges the regulations.

The suit targets ordinances banning pricing strategies, such as "buy one, get one free," and sales of non-cigarette tobacco products marketed as having a fruit or candy flavor.

The ordinances will now go into effect at the end of July. They were slated to take effect on March 1.

The suit claims the ordinances violate the federal and state constitutions.

The city has said the ordinances were adopted after a long period of public input.