Pittsfield Tobacco Regulations Go Into Effect Sept. 15

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The amendments to regulations pertaining to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and the Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products that the Pittsfield Board of Health enacted in July go into effect on Sept. 15.

In summary, the new Environmental Tobacco Smoke regulations expand no-smoking areas to include city owned and operated parks, playgrounds and conservation areas.

Amendments to the sale of tobacco and nicotine delivery products regulation will reduce and cap the number of tobacco product sales permits, require a minimum set back of 500 feet from an elementary or secondary school for new applicants for a tobacco retail location, and regulate pricing and packaging of cigar sales.

1. Pricing and packaging of cigar sales

Effective Sept. 15, cigars must be sold in an original package of at least 2 cigars.  The sale of single cigars is permitted if the retail price of each cigar is at least $2.50 and two-cigar packs for at least $5.
 
This does not apply to a person or entity engaged in the business of selling or distributing cigars for commercial purposes to another person or entity engaged in the business of selling or distributing cigars for commercial purposes with the intent to sell or distribute outside the boundaries of the city of Pittsfield.
 
Penalties will be assessed to those who violate this regulation: first violation, $250; second violation within a 24-month period, $350 and a seven-day suspension of tobacco sales permit; third violation within a 24-month period, $500 and a 14-day suspension of tobacco sales permit.

2. Reduce and cap the number of tobacco product sales permits

Any permit not renewed whether because a retailer no longer sells tobacco products, or because a retailer closes the retail business, shall be permanently retired by the Board of Health.



No permit renewal will be denied based on this subsection except any permit holder who fails to renew his or her permit within thirty days of expiration.

Applicants who purchase a business that holds a current  tobacco product sales permit at the time of the sale may apply, within sixty days of such sale, if the buyer intends to sell tobacco products.

Require a minimum set back of 500 feet from an elementary or secondary school for new applicants for a tobacco retail location.

Permitted Pittsfield tobacco retailers received notification prior to this release. For a copy of the regulations, visit www.cityofpittsfield.org or contact the department at 413-499-9411.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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