By Bob Katzen

This bill Would allow cigarettes and other tobacco products to be sold only in Adult-Only Retail Tobacco Stores or smoking bars.

The stores are defined as an “establishment that is not required to possess a retail food permit whose primary purpose is to sell or offer for sale but not for resale, tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia, in which the sale of other products or offer of services is merely incidental.” No one under age 21 is allowed in these stores.

Supporters said current law says people must be 21 years of age to buy tobacco but tobacco is still sold in hundreds of convenience stores and gas stations across the state. They said this is inconsistent and noted that these stores are sometimes lax and sell cigarettes and other tobacco products to people under 21.

Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), the sponsor of the measure, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his proposal.