Two underage tobacco sales recorded in Norwood compliance check; inspectors cite state fines and suspensions

The Board of Health heard a tobacco compliance report on Dec. 8 noting that inspectors visited 28 licensed tobacco retailers and documented two sales to underage buyers: one first-time violation and one repeat offense.

The inspector reported that state penalties apply. The transcript records the inspector saying the first offense carries a $1,000 fine and that a second offense carries a $2,000 state fee; the inspector also said a seven-day license suspension applies for repeat violations. The transcript contained a brief, unclear reference to a possible range "thousand to 3,000"; the board did not vote on penalty changes and deferred to state-enforced sanctions.

Board members noted that 26 of the 28 licensees complied during the inspection and praised overall retailer awareness while urging continued vigilance and reminders to licensees about renewal dates. The board asked staff to follow up on expirations and to send renewal notices in January to ensure licenses do not lapse inadvertently.