A primary focus of the meeting was the public hearing on proposed amendments to regulations regarding youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. These changes included prohibitions on smoking bars, the sale of tobacco products by educational and healthcare institutions, and the use of non-residential roll-your-own machines. The amendments proposed a fining structure consistent with state law, with a separate structure for lesser violations of local regulations. The Pioneer Valley Tobacco Coalition and the Massachusetts Municipal Association were instrumental in drafting these comprehensive changes, intended to bring local regulations in line with more state standards.

During the public discussion, attendees had the opportunity to raise questions or provide comments. An attendee named Diane inquired about the absence of nicotine pouches in the current draft, seeking clarification on future considerations for these products. It was confirmed that nicotine pouches were excluded pending further information, and any decision to include them later would necessitate a second public hearing. Heather Warner, Coordinator of the Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, commended the Board’s efforts and advocated for a ban on oral tobacco pouches. Warner emphasized the importance of vigilance against the tobacco industry’s changing strategies targeting youth and pointed out the high density of tobacco outlets near schools.

The Board also discussed enforcement mechanisms for the flavored tobacco product prohibitions and the requirement for retailers to obtain documentation from manufacturers to prove their products are not flavored. There was a consensus that inspections would be conducted to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Board considered the language for non-criminal dispositions for minor violations like failing to display required signage. The aim was to maintain flexibility in enforcement while ensuring clarity and accessibility of the regulations for businesses.

Following the tobacco regulation discussions, the Board transitioned to a hearing about revised fees for Board of Health permits. The proposed fee changes aimed to align Southwick’s fees with those of neighboring towns, with most permit fees increasing by $25. The Board also explored encouraging the use of an e-permitting system by either increasing fees for paper permits or offering discounts for online submissions. The hearing prompted discussions about mobile food units and their impact on established local businesses. Concerns were raised about mobile units potentially diverting business from brick-and-mortar establishments contributing to local taxes. This led to a proposal to decrease fees for mobile food units with a base in Southwick while maintaining higher fees for those without a local base. However, the Board decided to seek legal advice on this matter due to concerns about legality and perceptions of fairness.

The meeting also addressed the specifics of mobile food unit permits, which are annual permits valid for the calendar year, allowing food trucks with necessary equipment to operate at any event in Southwick. Seasonal permits were also discussed, with the North Side Creamy being the only recipient this year. The Board deliberated on exemptions for nonprofits from temporary permit fees and the need to clarify regulatory wording to ensure both licensed food establishments and nonprofits qualify for the exemption.