Somerville Increases Tobacco Purchasing Age to 21

Consumers will have to be 21 years old or older to purchase tobacco products in Somerville as of Mar. 15.

The city of Somerville has raised the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21 under rules recently adopted by the Somerville Board of Health, reports The Boston Globe.

John Laidler, who broke the story exclusively on The Boston Globe reports:

“The rules, effective March 15, also bar sales of e-cigarettes to those under 21 and prohibit the sale of tobacco products or e-cigarettes in pharmacies. Among other changes, smoking will now be prohibited in any hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or nursing home; within 50 feet of a public building or health care institution; and in outdoor areas of restaurants or bars. The rules also prohibit the sale of nearly all flavored tobacco products except in one grandfathered store: Robbins Smoke Shop in Davis Square.”

Patch attempted to contact the city for comments, but did not immediately receive a response. Check back with Patch for more updates.

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