Peabody Pauses on Tobacco Ban: A Different Approach

The Peabody Board of Health decided to put the brakes on a proposed "generational smoking ban" after a lengthy public meeting. This ban aimed to restrict tobacco sales to people born after 2004, gradually phasing out sales over time. Supporters argued it would reduce public health risks without harming local businesses too much. However, several city councilors and some board members disagreed. They believed the ban infringed on personal freedoms and could hurt local shops. Instead, the board chose to work with tobacco retailers to enhance enforcement and education. The board's chair, Thomas Durkin, suggested giving retailers a chance to cooperate in restricting youth sales. He cast the deciding vote to table the ban for at least a year. Board member Julia Fleet supported the ban, while Anthony Carli opposed it, saying adults should make their own choices. City Councilor Anne Manning-Martin and others echoed these views, emphasizing personal freedoms and the difficulty of legislating personal choices.