Westminster, Mass. Could Ban All Tobacco Sales

While numerous Massachusetts cities and towns have raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, the town of Westminster is set to consider a more drastic proposal: banning tobacco and electronic smoking device sales altogether.

The town’s board of health will hold a hearing on the matter at its Nov. 12 meeting, according to a report from the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO). The board has not yet listed the agenda for the meeting on its website, but NATO did obtain a draft copy of the regulation.

Should the board of health pass the regulation, no person would be allowed to sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products, and all tobacco sales permits and/or nicotine delivery product sales permits shall expire as of the regulation’s effective date. It would also prohibit distribution of free samples and prohibit the use of tobacco vending machines.

Violators would be subject to a first-time fine of $300, while a second violation in 24 months would also cost $300 and come with suspension of board of health-issued permits for seven days for the second violation within 24 months. Subsequent violations within 24 months are also $300 but tack on the suspension of board of health-issued permits for 30 days and could be upped to include the revocation of board of health-issued permits for further violations.

The board is authorized to make such a decision since Massachusetts General Laws allow boards of health to make “reasonable health regulation” in the interest of protecting its citizens.

Westminster is home to 7,277 residents as of the 2010 census.