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Local retailers and chamber urge Select Board to weigh economic study before nicotine-free generation policy
Summary
Business owners and a chamber representative told the Select Board the proposed generational nicotine ban under Board of Health consideration could harm local merchants and tourism; the Chamber asked the Select Board to support an economic impact study.
Business owners and the Cape chamber representative asked the Select Board on March 24 to request an economic impact study and to coordinate with the Board of Health before any generational nicotine ban is adopted.
Ricky Patel, a longtime retailer, said a policy that permanently forbids tobacco sales to people born after a certain year would create a permanent class distinction and drive sales — and customers — to neighboring towns or online. "If adults cannot legally purchase products here that are simply available everywhere else, they will go to the next town," he said, calling the proposal “blatant overreach” and warning of enforcement and black-market risks.
A Chamber representative asked the Select Board to join a request from the Arbuthnot Chamber of Commerce and local economic development staff for a study to evaluate economic impacts on restaurants, convenience stores and seasonal tourism. Board members agreed that the Board of Health, which holds regulatory authority, should be invited to present its rationale and that the Select Board should schedule a dedicated session to review economic findings before acting at the municipal level.
The town administrator and staff will coordinate to invite Board of Health members to a Select Board meeting for a full discussion and to circulate the chamber's letter requesting a study.
