At the forefront of the meeting was an extensive review of multiple businesses found in violation of state tobacco regulations. This included a liquor store facing its third violation in 36 months, leading to a recommended $5,000 fine and a 30-day suspension. Board members expressed concern about the impact on employees, with one member emphasizing the serious nature of job loss resulting from such enforcement actions.

Laama Supermarket was another focal point, with the board addressing two violations. The first involved a sale of tobacco products without proper compliance checks, leading to a one-day suspension starting November 26, 2024. The owner expressed confusion over notification procedures. This led the board to take additional measures to ensure acknowledgment of violations, emphasizing the need for effective communication between the board and business owners.

A second violation at Laama Supermarket involved the sale of illegal tobacco products traced from New Hampshire. This resulted in a $2,000 fine and a proposed seven-day suspension beginning November 27, 2024. The board made it clear that all illegal tobacco products must be removed from the store.

Further discussions focused on other local businesses like Oie Market and Javier Market, each facing a one-day suspension and $1,000 fine for failing to verify customer age during tobacco sales. Each business had an opportunity to present their case; notably, the owner of Javier Market emphasized the store’s 17-year history without prior offenses and detailed new training efforts for employees on proper ID verification procedures.

Fernandez X Liquors presented a more complex case, with a second offense involving a failed compliance check by the FDA indicating sales to minors. The board recommended a more penalty, imposing a $2,000 fine and a seven-business-day suspension. The owner acknowledged the violation and discussed measures being implemented to prevent recurrences, such as placing calendars at registers to remind staff to check IDs.

The board’s discussions consistently centered on the importance of compliance with state regulations to prevent sales to minors. Board members showed leniency towards first-time offenders.

In addition to the tobacco discussions, the board briefly touched on upcoming hearings for other businesses facing similar violations, scheduled for January, and tabled discussions on certain properties pending Housing Court criminal proceedings.

The meeting also addressed a housing complaint on Haverhill Street involving severe pest infestation. The board scheduled a comprehensive inspection. A board member noted the lack of oversight and management concerning such issues, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect public health and welfare.