Tobacco Control

Evidence shows that tobacco smoke causes cancer, respiratory diseases, various cardiac diseases, negative birth outcomes, allergies, and irritations to the eyes, nose and throat to both the smoker and nonsmoker exposed to involuntary (secondhand) smoke.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Evidence further demonstrates that repeated use of tobacco products will result in a behavioral dependency and for some; a physical addiction to nicotine. The Gloucester Board of Health has developed regulations (PDF) designed to reduce involuntary exposure of nonsmokers to tobacco smoke and to prohibit access of tobacco products to minors. A permit (PDF) is needed for any retail business to sell tobacco in Gloucester.

On July 13, 2023, the Board of Health adopted changes to the "Updating the tobacco regulations to incorporate the language in state law and to reflect DPH regulations, including state fines for all sections of the Gloucester regulation, and reduce the permit cap from thirty-six (36) to thirty-three (33).”

For further information, please call Health Department at (978) 325-6520. Copies are available at the Health Department office for review.