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Board reviews tobacco control report: kratom sale violation, flavored‑wrap fines and falling cigarette excise receipts
Summary
Board members reviewed a Tobacco Control Monthly Report describing a kratom sale violation on March 5, fines that have since been paid, and an annual tobacco task‑force note that cigarette excise tax collections fell by $25 million in FY24 as smoking rates declined.
At its April 2 meeting, the Lowell Board of Health reviewed a Tobacco Control Monthly Report covering a March 5 violation for the sale of kratom and related enforcement work on flavored wraps. The report states the business involved has since paid the fines listed in the packet.
The Board asked the tobacco enforcement staff — referred to in the packet as CISA — to follow up to ensure the retailer does not continue prohibited sales. A board member asked for confirmation that enforcement would continue; staff replied that follow‑up is planned.
The board also reviewed an annual update from the tobacco task force. A speaker summarized the task‑force report and highlighted national and state trends: "cigarette excise tax collections in fiscal year 24 decreased by $25,000,000" and a continuing decline in smoking prevalence, from about 14% in 2019 to roughly 9% in 2023, along with a drop in smokeless tobacco sales and an increase in inspections.
No formal vote was taken on enforcement policy at the April 2 meeting; board members recorded interest in continued follow‑up by enforcement staff.
Ending: Staff indicated that fines referenced in the packet have been paid and that tobacco enforcement will monitor compliance going forward.
