The Dracut Board of Health passed a number of tobacco-related proposals at its most recent meeting, the most notable of which is that a person will soon need to be at least 21-years-old to purchase tobacco products.
Additionally, the board passed several other new requirements, notably:
- Retailers must require a customer to present a valid government-issued photographic identification card if they appear to be under 40-years-old and wish to purchase tobacco products;
- All single cigars must be priced at $2.50 or more, while packages of two or more cigars must be priced at $5 or more;
- Prohibiting the sale of any flavored tobacco and vape products, except in adult-only retail tobacco stores where no one under the age of 21 is permitted entry;
- Prohibiting the sale of blunt wraps, except in adult-only retail tobacco stores where no one under the age of 21 is permitted entry; and
- Prohibiting new tobacco sales permit holders from locating within 500 feet of a school
All of the changes were approved 3-0 by the board at its Oct. 25 meeting, according to a report by LowellSun.com. The city has not posted results of the meeting on its website.
The age increase goes into effect on Dec. 15, while the flavored tobacco sales ban goes into effect on March 1, 2019.
Dracut is located in the northern part of the state and is home to approximately 31,500 residents.