Worcester's Smoking Bar Standoff: Health vs. Business

Worcester City Council is pushing back against health rules that limit new tobacco shops. They want the public health board to relax a rule that stops new tobacco stores from opening within 500 feet of existing ones. This rule was put in place to stop underage smoking and prevent tobacco shops from clustering together. The council passed a resolution urging the health board to change this rule. They argue it would help businesses, especially those owned by women and minorities, in downtown Worcester. Councilor Gary Rosen, who proposed the resolution, thinks the rule is silly and doesn't make much sense. He believes the health board should balance public health with supporting local businesses.Rosen previously tried to get an exemption for Noamesco Bar & Lounge, a smoking bar, but the health board voted against it. The bar's owner, Yajaira Paulino, said she followed all the rules and made investments to open the bar, but she was still denied. She argues that without the exemption, her business is losing out to competitors outside the city. Michael Kane, from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, also supports the resolution. He thinks the rule could cost jobs at Noamesco and other similar businesses. Council Vice Chair Khrystian King, who voted for the resolution, said the council isn't trying to undermine the health board's authority. He believes giving Noamesco a chance is the right thing to do. The health board approved the 500-foot rule in 2023 to protect residents' health. But the city council's resolution shows that there's a debate about how to balance health concerns with economic development. It's a tricky situation, and both sides have valid points.