Wilmington bans under-21 tobacco sales

WILMINGTON — Wilmington is the latest town to join a statewide trend of raising the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

The Board of Health passed the new regulations at its meeting on July 21. The board also voted to ban sales of tobacco at pharmacies in town, and to include e-cigarettes in the definition of smoking devices that are banned on public property.

“We’re hoping that this will likely prevent or delay initiation of tobacco use by adolescents or young adults, because the earlier people start smoking, the more likely it is to become a habit,” said Wilmington Health Director Shelly Newhouse. “If we can do anything to stop that trend, we thought raising the age to 21 would do that.”

Wilmington is the 72nd municipality in the commonwealth to raise the age to 21.

“Other Massachusetts communities have taken action to raise the age from 18 to 21, and there’s just more every week really. We’re following this trend,’ Newhouse said.

The changes will go into effect Nov. 1.

Selectmen Chairwoman Judy O’Connell said she was in support of the Board of Health’s decision to act in what it believed was the best interest of the town.

“The town of Wilmington in general is trying to promote a healthier lifestyle and environment for the town and for the residents and businesses that reside here,” O’Connell said. “I’m certainly a strong proponent for that and I support their efforts.”

O’Connell said she had not heard any comments either for or against the changes.

The ban on tobacco sales at pharmacies only affects one pharmacy in town, the Rite Aid at 208 Main St. CVS has already elected to stop selling tobacco at all of its stores.

Rite Aid spokeswoman Ashley Flower said in an email that the company would “comply with all local, state and federal laws concerning the sale of tobacco.”

Tobacco sales are still permitted at other merchants in town for people over the age of 21.

Newhouse said representatives of nine different tobacco merchants in town attended the meeting, but none expressed staunch opposition to the change.

Andover, Methuen, North Andover and Westford are among the other communities in Massachusetts that have imposed the restrictions.

Chelmsford is also considering raising the age of tobacco sales to 21. The Board of Health will hold a public hearing on the matter on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Offices at 50 Billerica Road.

Follow Chelsea Feinstein on Twitter and Tout @CEFeinstein.