North Reading Police Issue Reminder on New Tobacco Laws

The North Reading Police put out the following reminder on the coming change in tobacco laws:

On June 23, 2016 the North Reading Board of Health enacted an amendment to its tobacco control regulations, which restricts the sale of many flavored tobacco products, allowing them to be sold only in “retail tobacco stores.” Currently, no store holding a tobacco sale permit in North Reading operates as a “retail tobacco store.” Why: Multiple studies have shown that the longer a young person can delay the use of tobacco, the less likely they will become addicted.

Raising the buying age to 21 for nicotine and tobacco products is in trend with many Massachusetts cities and towns and is actively encouraged by the Northeast Tobacco Free Partnership and several state health agencies. In addition, flavored products are marketed to young people and can facilitate early use of tobacco products. Flavored nicotine is also attractive to young people. Young children wishing to “taste” the liquid are at risk of suffering from nicotine poisoning if ingested topically or by ingestion.