Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council refers Board of Health cigar-pricing regulation to committee after business owners raise concerns
Summary
The council voted to refer the Board of Health regulation that set minimum prices for single cigars and small cigar packs to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings after councilors said the change harmed small businesses and lacked sufficient outreach.
The New Bedford City Council voted to refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings a request that the council hear from the New Bedford Board of Health and local retailers about the board’s new cigar minimum-pricing regulation, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Councilors from across the chamber described widespread concern among convenience stores, gas stations and small retailers. Councilor Ian Abreu (speaker identified on the agenda as speaking on item 13) said some stores reported an 80% decline in cigar retail volume and a 30% drop in gasoline sales linked to reduced in-store purchases. Councilors said many retailers received little or no direct notice before the rule took effect and that small inventory losses and shelf-life issues left businesses vulnerable.
Councilors urged the committee to invite the Board of Health, city administration representatives, a representative of the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association and local retail business owners to explain the regulation and its impacts. The motion to refer passed on a voice vote; the chair announced “the ayes have it.”
