HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH FAQ - NFG PolicyBoard of Health FAQ - Nicotine-Free Generation
Policy
1 . What is a Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) policy? lt prohibits retailers from selling tobacco or
nicotine products to individuals born after a specified date.
2. Does the policy criminalize youth? No. The regulation applies to retailers and their sales permits,
not individuals.
3. How is this different lrom Tobaccol2l ? Tobaccol2l sets a minimum age. NFG uses a
birthlyear cutoff so future cohorts never become eligible purchasers.
4. Do Boards of Health in Massachusetts have authority to adopt this regulation? Yes. Under
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter I 11, Boards of Health may adopt regulations to protect
public health.
5. Has this approach been upheld in court? Yes. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
upheld the generational tobacco restriction adopted by Brookline in 2024.
6. Does the policy apply to vaping products and nicotine pouches? Yes. Most regulations define
tobacco products broadly to include ENDS devices, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine
products.
7. How is the rule enforced? Enlorcement occurs through the existing tobacco retarl permit system,
including inspections and potential permit suspension or revocation.
8. Why use a birthlyear cutoff? The generational model gradually phases out tobacco sales
without atfecting current adult purchasers.
9. What birthlyear cutoff is commonly used? Many Massachusetts towns have used January 1,
2004 or January 1, 2005.
10. How would the rule be added to an existing regulation? Typically by inserting a new section into
the town's existing Regulation Bestricting the Sale of Tobacco Products.