2014-03-20 Board Of Health Minutes

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orq c Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED ^� TOWN CLERK oxop° READING. MASS. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Health 201h FEB 22 P 122 Date: 2014 -03 -20 Time: 5:35 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Barbara Meade, David Singer, Andrew Friedmann Members - Not Present: Others Present: Kalpesh Patel, Sandra Popaja, Anthony Capraro, Dan Dewar, Daniel Muise, John Holland, David Mattuchio, Matthew Durand, Rick Camuso, Julianne DeAngelis, Charles Collings, Timothy A. Brooks, Elaine Webb, lames Bonazoli, Lester Hartman, MD, Maureen Buzby and Ruth Clay, Staff Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Foley Topics of Discussion: Public Hearing - Revision to Regulation Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products and Nicotine Delivery Products The hearing was called to order at 5:36 pm. Mr. Patel stated that raising the age to 21 would affect his business and he did not support the change. Ms. Popaja agreed with Mr. Patel, to keep the age at 18 as to not Impact businesses. Mr. Capraro also agreed to keep the age at 18 as to not impact businesses. Mr. Dewar, Reading Quick Stop stated that penalizing the business owner would not get those ages 18 -20 to stop smoking. He had read Dr. Hartman's data and felt that it was flawed, that youth smoking was down. He stated that 20% of his cigarette revenue would be Impacted along with other revenue; feels it is unreasonable and infringing upon people's rights. He feels that people of Reading should vote on this. Mr. Mulse agreed that 18 -20 year olds should be able to purchase cigarettes. Mr. Holland agreed with Mr. Dewar and if 18 -20 year olds are able to serve their country they should be able to purchase tobacco products. Mr. Mattuchlo introduced himself as new owner of a business opening on Haven Street selling e- cigarettes and liquid vapors. He did not support the regulation to increase the age to 21. Mr. Collings supported the local business owners. Mr. Brooks said if you are old enough to serve your country you should be able to purchase tobacco products. Ms. Webb, RCASA President, disagreed with those who oppose the change in regulation. She stated that of the 1400 students in the high school, 34% of the population smoked. Increasing the age to 21 could greatly Impact the supply of tobacco getting to students. Soldiers who do not want to smoke are also being impacted by other soldiers who do. Smoking kills people and she supports waiting until the age of 21 to purchase tobacco. Matthew Durand, Government Affairs Associate of Cumberland Farms, read a prepared statement in opposition to proposed increase In minimum age to purchase tobacco and e- cigarettes (copy attached). Mr. Bonazoli stressed he is in favor of having a healthy community. He is concerned with the increasing costs to taxpayers who foot the bill for treatment of smoking caused illnesses of veterans. He doesn't want to affect local businesses; however increasing the age to purchase tobacco Page I I