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Yarmouth Board of Health grants temporary variances for plastic cups to Dunkin and Cape Cod Farms
Summary
The Board of Health granted temporary variances through Columbus Day allowing existing plastic cups and lids at three Dunkin locations and at Cape Cod Farms, requiring both businesses to return with updates on Oct. 5 and directing staff to explore shared solutions with the Chamber of Commerce.
The Town of Yarmouth Board of Health on March 16 granted temporary variances allowing two local businesses to continue using existing plastic cups and lids through Columbus Day while they seek cost-effective, compliant alternatives.
Barry Lewis, the town’s assistant health director, introduced the variance requests, and Ken Amiott, vice president of Couto Management Group (Dunkin), said the company was "seeking an extension through the summer months" to work with franchise partners and review pricing differences. The Board’s motion for Dunkin—moved by Mary Craig and seconded by Laurance Venezia, DVM—allows continued use of existing plastic cups and lids at Dunkin’s three Yarmouth locations through Columbus Day but excludes 32-ounce cups. The motion passed unanimously; the company must return to the Board with an update on Oct. 5.
Richard Naoum, district manager for Cape Cod Farms, requested a similar variance, noting their cups are unbranded and that cost remains a significant challenge as they examine alternatives. Scott Brewer moved to grant Cape Cod Farms a temporary variance through Columbus Day; the motion, seconded by Mary Craig, passed unanimously. Cape Cod Farms also must return to the Board on Oct. 5 with an update.
Board members and business representatives discussed potential shared solutions. Hillard Boskey suggested reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce; Barry Lewis agreed to contact the Chamber director to explore coordinated approaches that could reduce costs for multiple local businesses.
The Board framed the temporary variances as a short-term accommodation to allow businesses time to find compliant, cost-effective packaging options while preserving the town’s longer-term plastics regulation goals. Both motions required reporting back to the Board on Oct. 5; no penalties or further enforcement actions were recorded in the meeting minutes.
The Board also noted that any new waiver requests related to the Plastics Regulation will be brought before the Board for review.
Next steps: Dunkin and Cape Cod Farms must return on Oct. 5 with progress updates; staff will contact the Chamber of Commerce to explore shared procurement or coordinated solutions.
