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Home > U.S. & American Culture > American Culture > Smoking & Alcohol

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Smoking and Alcohol

The legal smoking age in America is 18 years old, and the legal drinking age for alcohol is 21.

When you go to buy cigarettes or alcohol, or when you go to a pub (bar) or restaurant, bring some proper form of identification (such as a passport, driver‘s license, or photo identification card with birthday), because the store employee may ask to see it, especially if you look like you might be under 35 years old.

Do not refuse them if they ask; some employees who sell cigarettes or alcohol are required to ask no matter how old you look (store policies vary). If you do not have proper identification according to the requirements of the store, they can refuse to sell you cigarettes or alcohol.

Where to Smoke

Smoking cigarettes is losing popularity among Americans because of large anti-smoking campaigns and other social changes. If you smoke, be aware that smoking is not allowed in many Massachusetts public areas including all restaurants, offices, airports, hospitals, bars and dance clubs (an indoor “smoking section” does not exist).

Employers do not have smoking lounges or indoor smoking areas (smokers must stop working and go outside if they want smoke during work hours).

Smoking guidelines:

  • Basically, if you are in an indoor space, you should not smoke unless you are in an apartment or house. Although, if you are in someone else’s apartment or house, you should ask for permission before smoking.
  • Hospitals, schools, and businesses may have outdoor areas where smoking is not allowed. Look for signs before you smoke outside.
  • If you will stay at a hotel, specify whether you want a smoking or non-smoking room (fines for smoking in a non-smoking hotel room can be hundreds of dollars, and smoking in the general hotel area is also not allowed).
  • You can also smoke in cars, although if you are in somebody else’s car, ask permission before smoking and also keep the window next to you slightly open.
  • Smoking is not allowed on train station property, even if you are waiting for a train outside.
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