ADAMS, Mass. — Cumberland Farms was fined $1,000 for selling tobacco to a minor, but the violation also highlighted the need for the town to update its tobacco policies to align with state law.

 

During a routine compliance check last Thursday, a Tri-Town Health Department employee under the age of 21 attempted to purchase a pack of Camel Blue cigarettes without presenting identification at the gas station, located at 95 Commercial St. 

 

When they were able to purchase the product, the violation was documented and the town was notified. Tri-Town, a regional health collaborative for Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge, advises on policies and runs the county'sTobacco Awareness Program.

 

During a public hearing at Monday's Adams Board of Health meeting, a motion was initially made to impose a $1,000 fine and a one-day suspension to align with state law. 

 

However, the suspension was dropped because the town's current tobacco regulations do not provide for a suspension for a first violation.

 

Tri-Town Executive Director James Wilusz recommended the board follow its current regulations for this violation because retailers have copies of the existing rules and making a decision outside of that could create confusion. 

 

He suggested updating the local regulations at a future meeting, which he offered to attend to provide ideas on how to clean up the policies "a little bit."