The ban was one of four amendments to the city’s tobacco control ordinance given initial approval by the City Council last night.
The other amendments will also ban the sale of tobacco products at local institutions of higher education and the citywide sale of so-called “blunt wraps” — a cigarette-like rolling paper that is usually made from tobacco leaves.
In addition, cigarettes and tobacco products can no longer be advertised in areas where they can be viewed from public streets, parks, schools and institutions of higher education.
Advocates of the amendments called the council’s action “historic,” adding that they will serve as an important first step to reduce the smoking rate among Worcester’s population.
“Is it perfect? Absolutely not,” said District 4 Councilor Barbara G. Haller. “But it’s time for Worcester to make history. This is in the best interests of Worcester and it is time for us to make history.”
Opponents, however, questioned just how effective the amendments will be in reducing smoking. They argued that those who purchase cigarettes at pharmacies will simply go to convenience stores, gas stations or liquor stores instead.
Of the four amendments, the greatest division on the council had to do with the one to ban the sale of tobacco in pharmacies. The vote to advertise that amendment was 6-5, and it followed lengthy debate that featured some heated exchanges among councilors.
Voting in favor of the pharmacy ban were District 3 Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr., Ms. Haller, District 2 Councilor Philip P. Palmieri, Councilor-at-Large Joseph M. Petty, Councilor-at-Large Frederick C. Rushton and Mayor Joseph C. O’Brien.
Those who opposed it were District 5 Councilor William J. Eddy, Councilor-at-Large Michael J. Germain, Councilor-at-Large Konstantina B. Lukes, District 1 Councilor Joffrey A. Smith and Councilor-at-Large Kathleen M. Toomey.
The eight other municipalities that have already adopted a similar ban are Boston, Everett, Fall River, Lancaster, Needham, Newton, Oxford and Southboro.
Of the roughly 260 establishments permitted to sell tobacco in the city, 26 chain-store pharmacies will be affected by the ban.
Meanwhile, there was far less division on the three other amendments.
The council voted 10-1 to advertise the citywide ban of so-called blunt wrappers; it voted 11-0 to ban the sale of tobacco at institutions of higher education; and 10-1 to restrict the advertisement of tobacco products in public areas.
All the amendments will go back before the council for a final vote April 26. A simple majority is all that is needed to adopt the amendments.
Mr. Palmieri, as chairman of the council’s Public Health and Human Services Committee, was a leading proponent of the tobacco amendments and said last night’s vote was the culmination of four years of work.
“If we don’t step up tonight, we’re going to step out and lose,” Mr. Palmieri said.
An estimated 31,265 smokers live in Worcester, according to public health officials. They said 23.7 percent of adults living in Worcester older than 18 smoke — a level that is 47 percent higher than the statewide level of 16.1 percent. Also, cigarette smoking among middle-aged residents (ages 45 to 64) is at the 23.7 percent level, which is 42 percent higher than the statewide level of 16.7 percent.
Meanwhile, the death rate among Worcester residents from tobacco on a per-capita basis is about 250 people annually, or roughly five deaths per week, according to public health officials.
source: www.telegram.com
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