21 Is The New Legal Age To Buy Tobacco In Arlington

Well, here’s some unfortunate news for any 19-year-old fans of tobacco in Arlington (not that Patch condones smoking).

The minimum age for purchasing tobacco in Arlington has been officially raised to 21, as part of a plan that was enacted by the town in 2013.

As of July 1, 2015, only those old enough to buy alcohol will enjoy the privilege of buying a pack of cigarettes in Arlington.

“We know that the earlier people start smoking, the more likely it is to become a habit. We want to stop this trend,” said Arlington’s acting Director of Health and Human Services, James Feeney, in a statement.

“Communities throughout the Commonwealth are making this important change, and with Arlington coming on board, we hope to further prevent teenagers and young adults from traveling across city and town lines to purchase tobacco and nicotine delivery products.”

Arlington notes that Needham put a similar policy in place in 2005. Smoking rates among students in that town consequently dropped by as much as 50 percent, and continue to dwindle.

More information available at the town’s presser here.

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