Randolph, Mass. Joins Tobacco21 Movement with Purchase Age Increase

Add the town of Randolph to the list of more than 130 Massachusetts municipalities to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21-years-old, as this week the town’s board of health approved a proposal to raise the age.

The increase will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, as will a ban on self-service displays of all tobacco products and nicotine delivery products, except if the retailer ensures in writing to the Randolph Board of Health that no person younger than 21 years of age is present or permitted to enter into the location of the self-service display at any time. The board is also requiring all humidors, including walk-in designs, to be locked at all times. Fines for a violation of the rules start at $100 and can eventually come with a suspension or revocation of the retailer’s permit.

The changes come amidst several other anti-tobacco policies enacted by the board, including a new retail sales permit requirement. A ban on smoking bars is also in place, as is a ban on smoking in the town’s parks.

Randolph is located approximately 17 miles south of Boston and is home to nearly 33,000 residents.