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TOWN ENDS BID TO BAN TOBACCO SALES AFTER OUTCRY

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 21, 2014

1 min read
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ESG Regulation Public Health

Massachusetts Town Withdraws Tobacco Ban

WESTMINSTER, Mass. (AP) — Health officials in a Massachusetts town have withdrawn a first-in-the-nation proposal to ban all tobacco sales.

Board of Health Drops Proposal After Backlash

Westminster’s board of health voted 2-1 at its regular meeting Wednesday to drop the proposal, a week after rowdy opposition led them to end a public hearing early.

The Sentinel & Enterprise of Fitchburg reports that two board members moved and voted to kill the proposal. The board chairwoman voted to keep it under consideration.

Business and Youth Concerns Shaped the Debate

The board had initially said the ban would help keep a variety of tobacco products from young people, but businesses strongly opposed it.

Key Takeaways

  • Westminster, Massachusetts, Board of Health voted 2‑1 to withdraw the proposal to ban all tobacco sales.
  • The proposal faced intense opposition, including a rowdy public hearing that was cut short.
  • Board chair Andrea Crete voted to keep the ban under consideration, citing child exposure concerns.
  • Supporters argued the ban would make the town more tobacco‑free, but retailers warned of economic harm.
  • The town had aimed to be the first in the nation to enact such a comprehensive ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the proposal withdrawn?
The proposal was rescinded due to strong local opposition and disruption at a public hearing, prompting board members to conclude the town was against it.
Who voted to drop the ban?
Board members Ed Simoncini and Peter Munro voted to withdraw the proposal; chairwoman Andrea Crete opposed dropping it.
What did supporters argue?
Supporters, including Crete, said the ban would reduce youth exposure to tobacco and help make Westminster tobacco‑free.
What were retailer concerns?
Retailers warned the ban would hurt local businesses by cutting sales and driving customers to neighboring towns.
Was Westminster the first town to propose such a ban?
Yes, the proposal would have made Westminster the first U.S. municipality to ban all tobacco sales.

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