Politics & Government
Foxborough Raises Age to Buy Tobacco to 21
The Board of Health unanimously approved the new regulation.
The Foxborough Board of Health recently voted to raise the age to buy tobacco in town from 18 to 21.
The change will take effect Aug. 1.
"Tobacco ... causes cancer, respiratory and cardiac diseases, (and) negative birth outcomes," the board said in a statement.
The board, which voted 3-0 on the issue, cited federal statistics that show about 16 percent of students who smoke are under the age of 18.
Not everyone was behind the change.
Michael Lindley, owner of the Foxboro Shell Station, told the board that just because someone is 21 doesn't mean they are mature and won't become addicted to tobacco products.
State law currently sets the age for buying tobacco at 18. About a dozen communities, including Westford, Scituate, and Hudson, increased the limit to 21.
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