By Bob Katzen

The Public Health Committee held a hearing on a measure that would prohibit the online sale of any tobacco products by requiring any sale of tobacco to be done in-person with both the buyer and seller physically present at the time and location of the purchase. The buyer’s age would have to be verified at the time of purchase through a valid government-issued photo ID.

“I filed [the bill] to close a dangerous loophole that allows minors to access nicotine products online without meaningful age verification,” said sponsor Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick). “By requiring all tobacco sales to occur in person, this bill strengthens safeguards and reaffirms Massachusetts’ commitment to protecting young people from addiction.”