A number of new regulations regarding the sale of tobacco products will go into effect this summer in Essex, Mass., as the town’s board of health approved several changes, including an increase to the minimum age to purchase tobacco products. As of Aug. 1, 2016, the new minimum age to purchase tobacco products will go from 18-years-old to 21-years-old, something that brings the town inline with more than 100 municipalities in the state, and could soon be the statewide minimum age if a bill in the Massachusetts legislature passes. The minimum purchase price of cigars has been set at $2.50, though the change is geared to prevent the sale of cheap, machine made cigars more than premium handmade cigars. A package of two or more cigars must now sell for at least $5. While the town doesn’t have any premium cigar retailers, if it did they would now be subject to a requirement that their humidors be locked, as all self-service displays–including walk-in humidors–will be prohibited. Tobacco companies are no longer allowed to distribute free samples or coupons, or use multi-pack discounts as a sales incentive, meaning that getting free cigars with a box purchase at an event will be a thing of the ...
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