Worcester board tables two tobacco-permit requests, asks staff to review 500-foot density rule

The Worcester Board of Health on July 28 voted to direct staff to prepare recommendations on the city—s 500-foot tobacco density regulation and whether the ordinance should distinguish between types of tobacco outlets, and it tabled two pending exemption requests for retail smoking permits while it awaits that report.

Kyle O—Connor, Tobacco Prevention Specialist for the Division of Public Health, told the board that Nomesco at 43 Pleasant Street had applied for an exemption to operate as a smoking bar but was within 500 feet of two active tobacco retailers: Creed Lounge (41 Pleasant Street), located on the same property, and Pleasant Things (35 Pleasant Street), a convenience store on the adjacent property. "We recommend that the Board of Health do not grant this exemption," O—Connor said, citing the local 500-foot density rule and state and city permitting history.

The board—s request for a regulatory review was made by Member Gary Rosen and seconded by Member Michael Perrado. The motion carried on roll call: Gary Rosen, yes; Charice Allen, no; Leo Negron Cruz, yes; Michael Perrado, yes; Francis Anthes, yes.

Why it matters: Worcester—s local regulation, adopted in October 2023, bars issuance of a city tobacco-sales permit within a straight-line radius of 500 feet from an existing permit holder. Supporters of the two businesses seeking…