Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tobacco Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fitchburg Board of Health fines Royal Fuel Smoke Shop, schedules one-day permit suspension
Summary
Following an April 2 inspection, the Board imposed a $100 local fine for a blunt-wrap sale and a $2,000 state fine for a repeat flavor-enhancer violation at Royal Fuel (880 Water St.); the Board scheduled a one-day permit suspension for May 29, 2026, with remaining days suspended pending compliance.
The Fitchburg Board of Health held a tobacco-violation appeal hearing May 21 for Royal Fuel Smoke Shop, 880 Water St., and imposed monetary penalties and a permit suspension.
Tobacco-control staff presented inspection findings from April 2, 2026, documenting possession and offering for sale of flavored tobacco enhancers and possession of prohibited blunt wraps. Tobacco-control agent Joan Hamlett presented inspection photographs, retailer-education records and prior violation history. Staff noted the establishment had previously received education materials and signed acknowledgements about tobacco regulations.
Haji Ahmed, representing Royal Fuel, told the board he was confused about distinctions between legal cigars and prohibited blunt wraps; Hamlett and other staff clarified the applicable state and local definitions and regulations.
On the local blunt-wrap violation, Dr. John Bogdasarian moved to impose a $100 fine; Jamie Darcangelo seconded and the board voted in favor. On the state flavor-enhancer violation, Dr. Bogdasarian moved to impose a $2,000 fine as the second state violation within a 36-month period and a one-day permit suspension with the remaining six days suspended pending future compliance. The suspension was scheduled for May 29, 2026. The transcript records the board’s motions and that members voted in favor.
A public commenter, identified as Ms. Wehtje, spoke in support of the business and described the challenges retailers face interpreting changing tobacco rules. An agenda item for Express Fuel was noted as not present; the board postponed remaining hearings until June 11, 2026.
The board’s enforcement included both local and state-based penalties; staff and the business representative exchanged explanations about product classifications during the hearing.
