Public Hearing on Proposed Tobacco Regulations for a Nicotine-Free Generation

Source: amherstma.gov

The Amherst Board of Health invites the community to participate in a public hearing on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm in Room 101 at the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk), regarding the proposed addition of a Nicotine-Free Generation provision to its tobacco regulations

The purpose of this hearing is to share information about the proposed Nicotine-Free Generation provision and receive comments from residents, businesses, and other interested parties. No vote will be taken at the public hearing. The Amherst Board of Health will take up consideration of the proposed provision for purposes of adoption at the next scheduled Board of Health meeting on November 5th at 5:00 pm. 

Proposed Nicotine-Free Generation Provision
The Amherst Board of Health is proposing the addition of a Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) provision in its tobacco regulations. NFG is an evidence-based public health policy focused on reducing the use of nicotine products among youth. Right now, nicotine products can only be sold to people 21 years of age and older. This proposal would add language to Amherst’s regulations that will prohibit the sale of nicotine products – including cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches – to anyone born on or after January 1, 2005. 

Unlike traditional tobacco control measures that focus on specific age groups, NFG phases out nicotine sales over generations, effectively cutting off the pipeline of future smokers and nicotine users. If Amherst includes this NFG language in its tobacco regulations, it will join a growing number of communities in Massachusetts in addressing nicotine addiction at its source—youth initiation. Currently, the policy has been adopted by 18 cities and towns across the state.   

For more information about the Nicotine-Free Generation policy, please view the Amherst Public Health Department’s webpage about Tobacco, Vaping, and Other Nicotine Products.

Public Comments
Any person, business, or organization has the opportunity to provide public comments. The Board of Health especially wants to hear from the young people in the community about this proposed change because it will affect them directly. Those providing comments at the Public Hearing will be limited to three minutes. Those making public comments will be asked to state their name, place of residence, and any pertinent affiliation.  

The Board of Health will also accept written public comments until the time of the public hearing. Any written comments received by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29 may be read aloud and acknowledged during the hearing. Written comments may be submitted to the Public Health Department by email (publichealth@amherstma.gov) or by mail to the Amherst Public Health Department (70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002).  

Reasonable accommodation(s), such as language translation services, can be provided if requested five (5) days before the meeting via a written request to the Town Manager’s Office (townmanager@amherstma.gov). 

If you have any questions about this Public Hearing, please contact the Public Health Department at 413-259-3077 or email publichealth@amherstma.gov.