Williamstown Board of Health bans flavored tobacco, sets higher fines for violations

WILLIAMSTOWN -- July 10, 2023, Williamstown Board of Health bans flavored tobacco and weighs rooster-noise limits ahead of health inspector's retirement. The board voted unanimously Monday to adopt amendments to Chapter 158 of the town code, banning all flavored tobacco products including menthol, prohibiting smoking bars, and introducing tiered state-law fines of $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000 for repeat violations, effective August 1. Health Inspector Jeff Kennedy, retiring August 8, said the revisions were developed with regional tri-town health official Jim Vilusch. The board spent the majority of the meeting on a rooster noise complaint from neighbor James Abdo against the Honorato family of 366 White Oaks Road, declining to act unilaterally and instead directing member Devan Bartels, MD, MPH, to work with the Agricultural Commission, chaired by Sarah Gardner, on draft language for a possible May 2024 town meeting vote. The board also unanimously recommended Sandra Goodbody, MSW, to the town manager for appointment to a vacant board seat, and scheduled a special meeting for July 31 to seat her and elect officers.