Somerville raises age to purchase tobacco to 21

The legal age to purchase tobacco products in Somerville will rise to 21 under new rules recently adopted by the Board of Health. The rules, effective March 15, also bar sales of e-cigarettes to those under 21 and prohibit the sale of tobacco products or e-cigarettes in pharmacies. Among other changes, smoking will now be prohibited in any hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or nursing home; within 50 feet of a public building or health care institution; and in outdoor areas of restaurants or bars. The rules also prohibit the sale of nearly all flavored tobacco products except in one grandfathered store: Robbins Smoke Shop in Davis Square.