Tobacco regulations can be a tricky business sometimes fraught with controversy, and the latest chapter appears to be playing out in Worcester County.
The Central Massachusetts Regional Health Department – which serves Shrewsbury, Grafton and West Boylston – informed nearly 40 businesses in those communities that they shouldn’t sell certain tobacco products. The items are permitted by the federal government for marketing; however, the board said the approval included a provision that violates a Massachusetts law banning the sale of flavored tobacco.
A group that represents convenience stores that sell the products opposes the regional board’s directive. The New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association says it’s particularly troubled by local boards…