Great Barrington begins enforcement of state’s ban on vaping products
Great Barrington — The town of Great Barrington will conduct compliance inspections to ensure that merchants are adhering to the state’s temporary ban on the sale of vaping products. The ban also includes the sale of cannabis vaping products.
Approximately a dozen merchants are licensed to sell tobacco and cannabis vaping products in town, and each has been directly notified by the town’s board of health.
The town’s action complies with Gov. Charlie Baker’s Sept. 24 statewide ban on the sale of all vaping products. Baker declared “a public health emergency” after nationwide reports of hundreds of serious lung ailments and at least seven deaths attributable to vaping.
The Great Barrington Police Department and board of health are authorized to ensure compliance by retailers. The ban is effective immediately for four months and may be extended beyond Jan. 25, 2020.
Products now prohibited from sale include:
- Flavored and nonflavored vaping products and products used to vape THC or other cannabis products;
- Vape products or any other product intended for inhalation, regardless of nicotine content, whether for one-time use or reusable, that rely on vaporization or aerosolization, including but not limited to e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens and hookah pens;
- Any other similar devices that rely on vaporization or aerosolization; and
- Any component, part or accessory of these products or devices defined, even if sold separately.
Failure to comply with the order may result in fines, seizure of vape products or other penalties. For further information visit mass.gov/dph/mtcp.
As some people rely on vaping products to help with smoking cessation, Massachusetts residents can now receive free nicotine replacement products (such as Nicorette gum or nicotine patches) through their insurance programs without a prior prescription.
The Massachusetts Smoker’s Helpline has expanded staffing and outreach resources to assist residence. The free and confidential hotline can be reached at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or makesmokinghistory.org.
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Water main flushing to be performed in Sheffield
Sheffield — Mountain Water Systems will be performing its semi-annual water main flushing Monday, Sept. 30. A rain date, if necessary, has been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1. The flushing will begin at 7p.m. and run until approximately 4 a.m. As a result, the public may experience discolored or cloudy water during the time of the flushing. For more information, contact the Sheffield Town Hall at (413) 229-7000.
