Mayor Walsh proposes raising cigarette-buying age to 21
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Wednesday proposed changes to the city’s tobacco regulations that would raise the city’s cigarette-buying age from 18 to 21.
The proposed changes affect all tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, according to a release from Walsh’s office.
“It is our responsibility to do what we can to guide our young people and create a healthier future for all Bostonians’’ Walsh said in a statement. “We know the consequences of tobacco use are real and can be devastating. These proposed changes send a strong message that Boston takes the issue of preventing tobacco addiction seriously, and I hope that message is heard throughout Boston and across the entire country.’’
The board of health is expected to vote on the changes at a December 17 meeting. If approved by the board, the changes would take effect 60 days later.
The city will hold a public hearing on December 3 to discuss the changes, according to the release.
In addition to raising the buying age, the changes would increase the age of admission to adult-only retail tabacco stores and smoking bars to 21, and only allow the sale of flavored tobacco products at these establishments.
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