Arlington Raising Cigarette Buying Age to 21

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously voted in May to enact new tobacco regulations that, among other steps, will raise the minimum age to buy cigarettes in town from 18 to 21 over the next two years.

In addition to the age change, which will apply to all tobacco products, the regulations prohibit the sale of tobacco and nicotine-delivery products in all retail locations with a pharmacy or drug store and ban the sale of “blunt wraps” in town, among other items, such as single cigars under $2.50.

The regulations take effect July 1 of this year, when the cigarette buying age will go to 19. On July 1, 2014, the minimum age will increase to 20; on July 1, 2015, it’ll go to 21.

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The three-member board consists of Michael Fitzpatrick, Dr. Marie Walsh Condon and Kenneth Kohlberg. The regulations did not need Town Meeting’s approval, as the town’s health regulations are separate from the town bylaws.

Last May, Belmont joined Needham and Brookline in raising the cigarette buying age. Fifty-six cities and towns in Massachusetts have prohibited the sale of tobacco and nicotine-delivery products at pharmacies and drug stores.

See the full notice from the town.

More on Arlington Patch

Town Holds Off on New Tobacco Regulations Vote