Massachusetts town allowed to ban anyone born in 21st Century from purchasing tobacco: Report

The town of Brookline, Massachusetts, adopted a first-of-its-kind bylaw banning anyone born in the 21st Century from purchasing tobacco and tobacco products, the Associated Press is reporting.

The bylaw was adopted by Brookline in 2020 and upheld by Massachusetts’ highest court last week, the report said.

The law is being studied by other U.S. cities and towns in an effort to keep cigarettes out of the hands of young people, the report said.

Many Brookline convenience store owners have criticized the law, saying they rely on tobacco sales for a significant portion of their income and that Massachusetts already allows anyone over 21 to purchase tobacco products, the report said.

Proponents point out that Massachusetts law acknowledges the authority of local communities to limit the sale of harmful products, the report said.