HUDSON Beginning in July, 18 year olds will no longer be able to buy cigarettes in town, as Hudson health officials Tuesday night approved raising the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to Board of Health also banned smoking in town owned parks and playgrounds and voted to prohibit healthcare institutions, such as pharmacies, from selling tobacco products in town to help reduce the high percentage of cigarette smokers in Hudson residents, about 12 percent are regular smokers, which has led to the town having one of the highest lung cancer hospitalization and death rates in the region, said Sam Wong, director of public and community health Hudson High School, nearly 10 percent of students smoke cigarettes regularly, according to the most recent MetroWest Adolescent Health Needham, which recently raised the minimum purchase age to 21, only 5.5 percent of high school students characterize themselves as regular smokers, 4 percent less than the regional average.A recent study found that 90 percent of people who purchase cigarettes for distribution to underage children are under 21, said joining Needham, Sharon, Canton and Deedham as towns that increased the minimum purchase age for tobacco products, Board of Health members believe the number of teenage smokers in town could diminish.»I fully support raising the age to 21,» said Board of Health member Patricia Board of Health member Jay Murphy said some storeowners are concerned about a decline in business, Murphy noted that raising the age to 21 will deter teenagers from getting cigarettes.»No one person came out and said they re in favor of smoking,» said board also banned pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aide Pharmacy, from selling tobacco products in their Hudson said health officials will send a letter to local shops detailing the new receiving several complaints about smoking in town owned parks and playgrounds, smoking will be prohibited at town parks and fields. No smoking signs will be posted in July to notify residents, said officials hope the new regulations will lessen the percentage of smokers and create a healthier Hudson.»As a nurse, I d be hard pressed not to vote for these restrictions,» said Malachowski can be reached at 508 490 7466 or jmalachowski Follow him on Twitter JmalachowskiMW.

Requirements for cigarette purchases from internet retailers

Internet cigarette retailers sell cigarettes in packs that do not bear the Massachusetts excise stamp. These cigarettes are considered «unstamped cigarettes» under Massachusetts law. The purchase of unstamped cigarettes can lead to serious penalties.

The federal Jenkins Act requires out of state Internet retailers selling cigarettes to Massachusetts customers to register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and to report information regarding each sale, including the name and address of the customer, in order to assist the Department of Revenue in the collection of outstanding cigarette excises. 15 U.S.C. ‘375, et seq. To the extent that Internet retailers do not comply with the Jenkins Act, the Department of Revenue may utilize other sources (e.g., shipment records) to identify Massachusetts customers who have purchased unstamped cigarettes.

The Massachusetts cigarette excise is $25.10 per carton. If cigarettes purchased by a Massachusetts customer do not bear the Massachusetts excise stamp on the pack, then the Department of Revenue requires the customer to file Form CT 11B and to pay the outstanding excise amount, plus applicable penalties and interest. Please be advised that failure to file Form CT 11B may result in the Department of Revenue issuing a bill for the excise, interest, and penalties.

It is illegal for Massachusetts residents to possess cigarettes if the cigarette packs do not bear the Massachusetts excise stamp. Unlawful possession of unstamped cigarettes may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000, and criminal penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine. G.L. c. 64C, ’35.

For more information, see TIR 08 7 and DOR Directive 02 14.