Bill > S221

This bill aims to establish a clear, consistent statewide minimum age of 21 years old for purchasing and accessing several adult-use products and activities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including alcohol, cannabis products, tobacco products, and online sports gaming. The legislation explicitly states that setting a uniform age requirement is a matter of statewide concern and will preempt any local laws or regulations that might establish different age restrictions. By doing so, the bill ensures that adult consumers can purchase these products and participate in online sports gaming uniformly throughout the state, regardless of local municipal variations. The bill also requires relevant state agencies, including the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, Cannabis Control Commission, Department of Public Health, and Gaming Commission, to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations as necessary to implement this new statewide standard. This approach provides clarity and consistency for both consumers and retailers by eliminating potential age-based purchasing discrepancies between different local jurisdictions.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S221