Tobacco Regulation Changes Proposed For Sudbury: Public Hearing Planned

SUDBURY, MA — In an effort to improve the health of residents, particularly among adolescents 15 – 17, increase lifespan, and save lives, the Sudbury Board of Health is proposing tobacco regulation changes, it said in a statement this week.

The Board offered the following summary of the changes proposed:

• Modifying the definitions of tobacco products (to capture e-cigarettes, vaporization, and aerosolization), flavored tobacco, minors, and smoke;
• Prohibiting e-cigarettes wherever smoking is prohibited;
• Raising the age of tobacco sales to minors from 19 years to 21 years (consistent with all surrounding towns);
• Capping the number of permits to the number already issued (10) and “retiring the permit” when the establishment closes;
• Prohibiting tobacco sales within 500 ft schools;
• Mandatory posting of cessation information at point of sale;
• Prohibiting the sale of single cigars and raising the minimum price of multi-packs to $5.00;
• Limiting the sale of flavored tobacco products to smoking bars and adult only stores;
• Modifying the enforcement section to increase penalties for frequent violators
• Prohibiting smoking in town owned vehicles

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 14, at 8 p.m. at the Silva Room, Flynn Building, 278 Old Sudbury Road. The public is encouraged to attend the hearing or submit written testimony prior to the meeting.

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