Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nicotine Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local businesses and residents urge Yarmouth Board of Health to wait on Nicotine-Free Generation regulation
Summary
Multiple business owners and residents told the Board of Health they oppose the proposed Nicotine-Free Generation regulation, arguing it could infringe civil liberties, drive customers to neighboring towns and that statewide action would be preferable; the Board took no action.
Business owners and residents addressed the Yarmouth Board of Health on Feb. 2 to oppose a proposed Nicotine-Free Generation regulation, urging the Board to pause and allow the Commonwealth to consider statewide action.
Resident Benn Patel said he believed the proposal would violate civil liberties and that, as adults, people should decide what legal products to consume. Attorney David Lawler, representing Mobil and Shell stations in Yarmouth, and business owner Al Naoum said local restrictions would likely redirect customers to neighboring towns, potentially harming local sales and tax revenue; Lawler noted existing laws already prohibit sales to people under 21. Paula Cote (via Zoom), who works in several Yarmouth businesses, suggested education rather than a ban. Harry Patel said he agreed with the business representatives' objections.
Board members did not take action on the proposal at the meeting and said discussion would continue at a future date.
