Tobacco Control

The Lowell Tobacco Control Program is a two-city tobacco control collaborative that also includes the City of Lawrence. This successful partnership has been in place since 2011, with the mission to develop, promote, implement, and enforce policies designed to reduce youth access to tobacco products and to reduce public exposure to secondhand smoke in the cities of Lowell and Lawrence. 

Services

• Tobacco Permitting: To apply for a Tobacco Permit, please click here
• Compliance Checks: These are inspections where a minor, working undercover, attempts to purchase tobacco products at retail stores. It’s an effective way to determine retailers’ overall rate of compliance with current tobacco regulations.
• Complaint Investigations: The program investigates reports of smoking, illegal sales of tobacco products to minors, and other alleged violations of the tobacco regulations.
• Retail Inspections: The program conducts several retailer inspections throughout the year. In addition to ensuring that establishments are in compliance with the tobacco regulations, inspections are great opportunities to educate retailers about specific requirements and prevent violations.
• Health Education: Lowell Health Department staff can provide education on the effects of Tobacco products and Vaping.

Tobacco Sales Regulations

• City Regulations
• State Regulations

Tobacco Sales Complaints

If you'd like to make a complaint regarding tobacco sales/practices, you can submit a 311 request through the City of Lowell's 311 Enterprise Service Request System.

You can submit 311 requests online, through the 311 mobile application via IOS/Android, or by phone.

• If you need assistance creating an account or submitting requests, please visit 311 Enterprise Service Requests page for guidance.
• *PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT USE THE ONLINE FORMS DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS OR HOLIDAYS!

FOR ONLINE REQUESTS:

• Visit www.lowellma.gov/311 to get started.
• Before submitting a request, you will need to create an account.
• Once an account has been created, log-in to the City of Lowell Service Request Access site.
• Once logged in, click on the "Create a New Request" tile.
• For the "Request Category" select "Nuisance/Complaint/Violation".
• For the "Request Type" select "Tobacco Sales/Practices".  
• Enter the address for the request.
• Enter your contact information for the request. 
• Fill out the form with as much information as possible. There is an additional option to include any photos/videos.
• Click “Submit” to complete the request.

FOR 311 MOBILE APPLICATION REQUESTS:

• Requests can be submitted 24/7 with the 311 app.
• Download the application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Once the app has been installed, you will need to create an account to submit requests.
• Once an account has been created, log-in to the app.
• Once logged in, click on "Report an Issue".
• Select "Tobacco Sales/Practices".
• Enter your contact information for the request.
• Enter the address for the request.
• Fill out the form with as much information as possible. There is an additional option to include any photos/videos.
• Click “Submit” to complete the request.

FOR PHONE REQUESTS:

• To submit a request during business hours, dial 978-674-4311.
• You may need to provide the following information to help us complete your request;
  • Your name
  • Phone number to reach you if there are any questions
  • Email address to receive notifications about your request
  • Details of the issue or service being requested
  • Location of the issue/request