BOSTON – By a vote of 146-4, the Massachusetts House of Representatives today voted in support of H4479, An Act to protect youth from the health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction, which takes a comprehensive approach to tobacco control efforts in the Commonwealth. The bill would increase the statewide age of sale for tobacco products - including e-cigarettes - from 18 to 21, include e-cigarettes in the smoke-free workplace law, and prohibit the sale of tobacco products from pharmacies and any location which provides health care services. Marc Hymovitz, Massachusetts director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement:
“ACS CAN applauds House lawmakers for voting in support of this potentially lifesaving measure – it brings us one step closer to a long awaited and hard earned public health victory for future generations of Massachusetts residents.
“Passage of this law would once again make Massachusetts a leader in the fight against Big Tobacco. Research shows that if a person does not begin smoking at a young age, they are much less likely to ever smoke. In fact, 95 percent of adults who smoke started smoking before the age of 21 and nearly 100 percent started by age 26.
“Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death nationwide, and one-third of all cancer deaths are related to tobacco use. Raising the age of sale for tobacco products is a step toward saving lives, and restricting youth and young adult access to tobacco products can be a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to reduce initiation and lifelong tobacco addiction.
“ACS CAN is grateful for the leadership and Speaker DeLeo, Representativeq McMurtry and Representative Hogan, and applauds members of the House for supporting this legislation. We urge the Senate and Governor Baker to follow suit.”
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