The Somerville’s Board of Health recently voted for the city to adopt a Nicotine-Free Generation policy.

This spring, Somerville’s Board of Health (BOH) voted for the city to join a growing national movement to create a Nicotine-Free generation by adopting new public health regulations limiting the sale of nicotine products, which went into effect May 1. 

The updated rules, adopted unanimously by the Somerville Board of Health on March 25, mark the start of a major local effort to prevent nicotine addiction, especially among youth.

Under the new regulations:

Somerville will begin implementing a Nicotine-Free Generation policy. Anyone born on or after January 1, 2005, will be permanently ineligible to purchase tobacco or nicotine products in the city, even once they turn 21.

Nicotine pouches can now only be sold in adult-only retail stores. Retailers who do not meet this standard must remove pouches from their shelves immediately.

“The Nicotine-Free Generation policy isn’t about taking away rights, it’s about giving young people the freedom to grow up without the grip of nicotine,” said Bhavika Kalia, a member of Somerville Positive Forces. “It’s about bold action today to protect the well-being of those who will lead our communities tomorrow.”

The Somerville Board of Health encourages retailers and community members to familiarize themselves with the new rules. These changes reflect the City’s continued commitment to a healthier, addiction-free future for its residents. These regulations follow years of local and statewide efforts to reduce access to harmful products, including Massachusetts’ 2024 ban on menthol-mimicking tobacco products.

For more information, contact Six City Tobacco Control Director Bonny Carroll at bcarroll@somervillema.gov, or visit somervillema.gov/prevention.