Westford health department reports three tobacco sales fines after compliance checks
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Summary
Health‑department staff told the Board that three Westford establishments were fined $1,000 each for selling tobacco to minors during compliance checks; fines have been paid and proprietors reeducated.
During the Feb. 9 meeting the health department reported that three Westford establishments failed tobacco compliance checks and were fined $1,000 each. Ray explained that compliance checks involve a minor attempting a purchase during a monitored inspection; establishments that sell are issued written notice, fined, and re‑educated. "They were each fined $1,000... and they have all paid," Ray said.
Staff noted a complication in enforcement when ownership changes occur close to a compliance check; turnover can allow establishments to reset enforcement history if transfers occur within the permitting timeline. The board asked staff to review the tobacco regulation language for possible loopholes and to bring proposed clarifications to a future meeting; staff agreed to review state guidance and updated tobacco regulations.