Board rejects softer tobacco fines, sets hearing

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

The Worcester Board of Health voted 3-1 to reject Michael Perotto's amendment to cut tobacco violation fines and suspension days nearly in half. The board then voted to advertise revised tobacco retail regulations—which cap smoke shop permits at 22—for a 14-day public comment period before a June 15 public hearing. The board also unanimously appointed Desiree Sutton as the city's primary burial agent.

Key decisions

• 📜 Advertise revised tobacco retail regulations. The board voted to advertise the revised tobacco retail regulations for a 14-day public comment period before a June 15 public hearing. The regulations cap smoke shop permits citywide at 22 and create a tiered violation structure for tobacco sales violations. (Vote For: 2, Against: 1; Next: June 15). Read case details
• 📜 Amendment to soften violation penalties. The board voted 3-1 to reject Michael Perotto's amendment that would have cut suspension days and fines nearly in half across the three-tier violation structure. Tougher penalties remain in effect. (Vote For: 1, Against: 3; Next: June 15). Read case details
• 👤 Appoint Desiree Sutton as burial agent. The board voted unanimously to appoint Desiree Sutton, Business Manager for the city's Division of Public Health, as the city's primary burial agent. (Vote unanimous). Read case details

Next dates

• June 1: Regular Board of Health meeting
• June 15: Public hearing on tobacco regulations

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Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 945 words, for members.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.