Age to Buy Tobacco in Milford Going Up

Like many other towns in Massachusetts, Milford has raised the age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco in town.

Recently, the Milford Board of Health voted to raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and all nicotine delivery products to 21. The regulation will also include e-cigarettes.

“This was not a rash decision of the board of health. After several months of researching and reviewing studies and advice from medical and public health officials, the board of health voted on implementing this promising strategy to reduce smoking and tobacco/nicotine use among our youth and save lives. It has been well established that nearly all smokers start as kids or young adults, and these groups are targeted by the tobacco industry,” the board said in a statement.

The board cited a report from the Institute of Medicine as part of the reason why they voted for an age hike. According to the report, 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21. By increasing the age for tobacco sales, youth smoking initiation may be delayed, potentially preventing young people from starting to smoke.

“It is our responsibility as a local board of health to do all we can to guide our young people and create a healthier future for all our residents,” the board said.

Milford is now the 93rd municipality in the state to restrict hike the age to buy tobacco and nicotine products.

Businesses in town will have until April 1 to become compliant with the new regulation.