Holy, Cambridge, Batman! Gotta Be 21 to Buy Ciggs?

Of all the listservs that I belong to, I have to admit that it was subscription to the Porter Square Neighbors Association that got my attention on this beautiful Saturday. Brace yourself for a serious dose of Cambridge!

A quick glance at my iPhone inbox brought this piece of legislation that City Councilor, Marc McGovern, says he will be submitting at this Monday's Cambridge Council meeting.

Policy Order 0-2 filed by Councilor McGovern, Mayor Maher and Councilor Carlone requesting the City Manager direct the City Solicitor to develop proposed ordinance language that will limit the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in the City of Cambridge to individuals 21 years of age or older.

McGovern writes, "Obviously, I will be supporting this order as I wrote it. 85% of smokers begin smoking before the age of 21 and 90% of people who purchase cigarettes for distribution to minors are between the ages of 18 and 20. As someone who works with high schools students, every day I see my 18 year old seniors buy cigarettes for my underage students. This goes on at CRLS as well. Making it more difficult for 18-21 year olds to purchase tobacco products, will not only make it more difficult for them to smoke, but will help keep cigarettes out of the hands of minors. Other communities have already done this with great results. It’s time for Cambridge to get onboard."

A quick looky-loo at Marc's website highlighted his advocating for progressive issues. We have a few of those kinda people on the Board of Aldermen and I'm now wondering when this will be introduced in Somerville? Maybe in between banning toilet paper and an order for a bronze statue of Pat Jehlen?