Medway has joined the list of cities and towns in Massachusetts raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, as last night the city’s board of health voted in favor of increasing the purchase age from 18 to 21.
The approval comes after voters gave their approval in a non-binding election in May by a tally of 479 to 252. While it was a public hearing on the change and residents were invited to speak on the matter, no one showed up either in favor or opposition, according to Wicked Local Medway.
The board also approved several other regulations regarding smoking, including banning smoking in hotels and motels, cigar and hookah bars, town parks, playgrounds, fields and beaches. Additionally, smoking in outdoor areas of bars, restaurants and taverns has been banned, as well as at bus and taxi waiting areas.
They also approved a 25-foot no-smoking buffer zone around municipal buildings in the city.
All of the changes will go into effect in 60 days.
Medway is located in Norfolk County, approximately 23 miles southwest of Boston, and is home to nearly 13,000 residents.