6.5.2019 Board of Health

The Fall River Board of Health met on June 5, 2019, to address routine licensing and conduct a significant public hearing regarding the regulation of adult-use marijuana establishments and marijuana accessories. The board began by approving the meeting minutes from April 24, 2019, followed by the unanimous approval of tattoo practitioner licenses for Nicholas Seth, Nathaniel Teasdale, and Corey Goyette to work at a tattoo shop located at 1412 Globe Street. Tobacco Coordinator Marilyn Edge then provided an update on Synar compliance checks, noting zero illegal sales of Newport or Marlboro cigarettes and reporting that 90 percent of cigar compliance checks were complete.

The board then opened a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the city's adult-use marijuana regulation, specifically addressing definitions of marijuana accessories and potential exemptions for vaping products. Numerous local convenience store owners and attorney Philip Beauregard spoke during public comment, arguing that restricting sales of items such as pipes, hookahs, and rolling accessories exclusively to adult-only tobacco and cannabis retail shops was unfairly damaging to neighborhood convenience stores and small businesses. Retailers expressed frustration over the economic disadvantage and regulatory burdens placed on traditional convenience stores.

Following extensive public testimony and input from staff, board members recognized ambiguities in the draft definitions and the legal complexities raised by store owners. Upon learning that legal counsel Cheryl Sbarra recommended waiting until she could be present to advise the board, the board closed the public hearing. Rather than enacting the proposed amendments, the board voted unanimously to rescind the adult-use marijuana regulation originally passed on April 24, 2019, preventing it from taking effect on July 1 and postponing the matter to a future meeting.

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