Tighter Tobacco Regs Discussed by Board of Health

Above, the Board of Health interacts with Sarah McColgan, participating remotely.

The Franklin Board of Health met at 5pm on March 1st, in person at the Municipal Building.

Much of the meeting included remote participation by Sarah McColgan from the Tobacco Control Program of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association (MHOA), who facilitated a discussion about possible changes to tobacco regulations in Franklin.

The Model Regulation Incorporates the Following:

1. The minimum standards required pursuant to the United States Food and drug Administration relative to the sale and distribution of cigarettes; and

2. The minimum standards required pursuant to Massachusetts state law and regulation. This includes GL c. 270 regarding sales to those under 21, tobacco and vaping product sales, including flavored products, required signage, matching definitions and other relevant state statutes and regulations.

The document also included a “checklist for policy makers” with 17 items. The discussion centered on these, which covered fines, enforcement actions, the possibility of banning blunt wraps [which some Massachusetts jurisdictions have done, and even choosing whether to use the world Shall or May in suspensions.

McColgan encouraged making decisions on the points but the Board made it clear they weren’t ready to vote on the matter. Still, several points, including a blunt wrap ban, drew much favorable comment, hinting at the likely direction of the future vote.

When that task was completed, McColgan left the meeting and the Board focused on inspection reports from Metacomet Shared Services Inspector John Robertson, most of which had to do with food establishments.

The Board also heard updates from Public Health Nurse Alicia Sullivan who, among other things, reported on the successful completion of a hand-only CPR training at the Fire Station. Cassia Monteiro, Metacomet Shared Services Epidemiologist, before adjourning just before 6 pm.