Adams Board of Health Approves Smoking Regulations
 The Board of Health approved a smoking regulations that will affect sales of tobacco products and limits where smoking can occur. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health decided on smoking regulations Wednesday that would end the sale of single cigars in Adams stores.
The board decided that only cigars that come in packs of at least four can be sold in stores as part of a broader regulation that prohibits smoking in public places including parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, and bans pharmacies from selling tobacco products.
"I feel really good about it, and I think the town of Adams should be proud now that we have taken a step in getting this town healthier," Chairwoman Patricia Clairmont said.
The proposed regulation has been on the table for four months, but the board has not been able to make a clear decision on sales.
"We have come close several times, but there were always issues," Clairmont said. "The thing that has been up in the air and that has held us back for all this time is the sale of single cigars."
Many other communities have made this specific cigar regulation as well as other restraints on smoking, board members.
"That is pretty much what most communities do," Clairmont said.
Although single cigars will no longer be sold, blunt-style cigars will still be able to be purchased.
The regulations were first discussed nearly three years but halted midway as the board tried to fill a vacant seat. They must now be approved by the attorney general's office before being implemented.
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The Board of Health also discussed food quality issues at Berkshire Arts & Technology Public Charter School.
Code Enforcement Officer Scott Koczela explained that a parent complained that the catered food was undercooked and that meal portions were small and were not nutritious.
Bounti-Fare holds the food contract with the school and an inspection was conducted. The inspector found that the lunches were made with fresh food and met regulations.
"I spoke with the principal about the complaint and we will be keeping an eye on them to make sure there are no issues, but everything looked fine from my visit," Koczela said.
A series of complaints having to do with water main breaks in the town were also resolved. The water main issues have been fixed.
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