Massachusetts Pittsfield Health Board Approves Tobacco Law Updates

The health committee of Pittsfield, Massachusetts in the United States has concluded a seven-month process for updating the city's tobacco ordinance.

We should be very pleased about this," said President Bobbie Orsi. The document was unanimously passed last Wednesday after some final adjustments were made in November. There were no public comments made during the open hearing process.

The regulation was last revised in 2019, when Governor Charlie Baker signed a tobacco control modernization bill that imposed new restrictions on the sale of nicotine electronic cigarettes, flavored electronic cigarettes, and tobacco products.

Changes effective on April 1st include a clear definition of blunt packaging, an increase in the minimum price requirement for cigars, and penalties for violating state laws.

Blunt packaging has been redefined as "any product that is entirely or partially made from tobacco products, manufactured or packaged with loose and movable leaves or a part of a leaf, or as a hollow tube that consumers can use to wrap or contain loose tobacco or other filling.

It also considers tobacco kits or self-rolled packaging as blunt packaging.

The main changes we have made include updating definitions, such as the straightforward packaging. We want to ensure that it provides a very descriptive definition. We also discussed maintaining a consistent and detailed structure with national standards," explained Director of Public Health, Andy Cambi.

We have not lowered the license cap. We are maintaining the status quo. Our last adjustment in November was to address violations. If violations are determined, we will have the discretion to take action up to 30 times, with a minimum of one business day.

There have been discussions regarding the explicit ban of smoking in bars, but members of the Board of Health (BOH) believe that the regulation already prohibits smoking as no bars within the city limits permit it.

Tri-Town Health Director James Wilusz commended the board and staff of the health department for simplifying regulations for the public. Wilusz assisted the team's efforts, as his department has been implementing a tobacco awareness program since 1994.

Having a set of rules that people can understand and comply with is a service to the community and the board," he said.

Wilusz suggested sending a summary notice to retailers, posting signs, and emailing a cover letter to let them know that the minimum price for packaging cigars has increased.

Cigar pricing and packaging regulations have been updated, raising the minimum price of cigars by 40 cents to $2.90 and increasing the minimum price of two or more cigars from $5 to $5.80.

When it comes to the implementation period, I think 60 days is reasonable because this regulation doesn't have much impact on retailers other than a slight nominal adjustment to the consumer price index.

It should be noted that any violations of state laws will still hold despite a 60-day postponement. Essentially, you are only extending the change to local policies by 60 days.

He added, "Our goal is to ensure that people comply with regulations, rather than making them feel unaware of upcoming changes.