Somerville Board of Health Passes New Tobacco Regulations

SOMERVILLE – On Nov. 19, 2015, the Somerville Board of Health voted to adopt amended tobacco regulations in the City of Somerville pertaining to sales of tobacco and nicotine delivery (e-cigarettes) products, as well as to smoking in workplaces and public places. The new regulations take effect March 15, 2016.

“Somerville is a leader and early adopter of the tobacco regulations that surrounding communities are considering,” said Doug Kress, Director of Health & Human Services. “These regulations will provide additional tools for our inspector to ensure a smoke-free environment and will help limit youth access.  Community members testifying at the public hearing were overwhelmingly supportive of the changes and touted the progressive and supportive work of the Mayor’s efforts.”

New Regulations Added

1. No tobacco products or e-cigarettes (except prescriptions) may be sold in pharmacies or health care institutions.
2. Single cigars must be sold for a minimum of $2.50; packages of two or more for a minimum of $5.00.
3. No flavored tobacco products (e-cigarettes or nicotine delivery products, or e-juice except menthol) may be sold excepting the one grandfathered tobacco shop in Somerville: Robbins Smoke Shop in Davis Sq.
4. No blunt wraps may be sold in the City of Somerville (full prohibition).
5. No cigarette vending machines are allowed in any publicly accessible location.
6. No commercial, publically accessible Roll-Your-Own machines are allowed.
7. No smoking in any hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, and/or nursing home.
8. No smoking within 50 feet of any public building or healthcare institution.
9. No smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants, bars, or taverns.
10. The use of e-cigarettes/vaping is prohibited wherever smoking is prohibited.

Amendments to Existing Regulations

1. (Change from under 18) No tobacco and/or nicotine delivery/vaping products may be sold to anyone under the age of 21.
2. (Change from under 18) E-cigarettes and nicotine delivery products sales must follow the same rules as tobacco (21 years of age).
3. (Change from escalating fines between $100 and $300) Updated penalties for vendor violations of these sales regulations are:
   1. 1st offence: $300.00
   2. 2nd offence within a 36-month period: $300.00 and a suspension of permit to sell for 7 days
   3. 3rd offence within same 36 month period: $300.00 and suspension of permit to sell for 30 days.
4. No smoking in any hotel, motel, bed and breakfasts, and nursing homes.
5. No smoking within 50 feet of any public building or healthcare institution.
6. No smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants, bars, taverns.
7. The use of e-cigarettes/ vaping is prohibited wherever smoking is prohibited.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Bonny Carroll at (617) 625-6600 x4318.