It took a year longer than some had hoped, but the Amherst, Mass. Board of Health has voted to increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21-years-old. The board voted unanimously Thursday night to pass the measure, though the date the change goes into effect was not immediately announced. The change into effect on Aug. 15, according to MassLive.com. Retailers will be subject to fines starting at $100 for selling to a purchase under 21, with the number escalating to $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third offense within three years. Repeat offenders are also subject to having their licenses revoked for seven and thirty days for second and third offenses, respectively. A number of other minor and procedural changes pertaining to retailers were also passed. Amherst is home to approximately 35,000 residents and is located about 90 miles west of Boston.
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