HomeMy WebLinkAboutBUZBY EMAIL 03_24_2026ffi Outlook
RE: Economic lmpact Review - Nicotine Free Generation
From Buzby, Maureen < mbuzby@cityofmelrose.org >
Date Tue 2026-03-24 8:50 PM
To Lewis, Barry < BLewis@yarmouth.ma.us >
Cc Provos, Sara < SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us >
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Hl Barry,
I have not seen a request like this from any Chamber of Commerce. We do hear
concerns about retailer losses all the time. That's a fair question. Though it's also
important for us all to remember that the goal is to prevent youth addiction to
nicotine which has such negative health, financial and even career impact.
I reached out to some of my colleagues to see what they have for info.
I think I may have sent you the report DPH recently released - data on the
economic impact of the flavor ban.
Did I send you the BU study of the CA municipalities that did a complete tobacco
sales ban?
A state epidemiologist also put together some data.
Dr. Hank Dorkin (TFM and Mass Medical Society) made some paper napkin
calculations that make sense to me.
I can send you all of the above.
Thanks!
Maureen
From: Lewis, Barry < BLewis@yarmouth. ma. us>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24,2026 4:01 PM
To: Buzby, Maureen <mbuzby@cityofmelrose,org>
Cc: Provos, Sara <SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: Fw: Economic lmpact Review - Nicotine Free Generation
Have you had any request similar to this and if so could you share the results with me
please?
Thank you
Barry
From: Director<@>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 3;26 PM
To: Lewis, Barry <gtCl4s@y!!npuh.E-a..us>; Whritenour, Robert <Bl4hd!e!pg@y4!04!h,E-a..us>;
Eldredge, Megga n <!!EktedgC@y!-t!09-ulh=!o.e=.U5>
Cci Hollie Handrahan <hha nd raha n @theemeraldresort.com>; TRACY PosT <p-esto315@e9-0rc4s!.!g!> j
Forest, Mark <M Forest@-ya rmouth. ma. us>; Argo, Liz <EAISS-@_yEI!O9g!h.!0-a,US>; Flynn,.Joyce
<Jflynl@_yefE_Sglh.me.U5>; McGurrin, Dorcas <DMcGurrin@_varmouth.ma.us>
Subiect: Economic lmpact Review - Nicotjne Free Generation
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Town of Yarmouth
'1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
March 24,2026
Sub.ject: Request for Economic lmpact Review - Proposed Nicotine Free Generation Regulation
Dear Members of the Board of Health, Select Board, and Community & Economic Director,
On behalf of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we are writing to express
our concerns regarding the potential economic impact of the proposed Nicotine Free Generation
(NFG) regulation currently under consideration.
We recognize and respect the intent behind this proposal, particularly the shared goal of
protecting public health and reducing youth access to nicotine products. Our schools and
community partners have made meaningful progress in educating young people about the risks
associated with nicotine use, and we fully support continued efforts in prevention and education
To our knowledge there is not an issue with underage sales with our current establishments.
At the same time, we believe it is critical to carefully evaluate the potential economic
consequences of this policy, especially in the context of the current challenges facing our local
business community.
Over the past several years, Yarmouth businesses have experienced significant disruption and
financial strain due to the ongoing wastewater infrastructure project. Many establishments,
particularly small and locally owned retailers, have seen reduced foot traffic, limited access, and
prolonged periods of uncertainty. As a result, a number of businesses are operating on
increasingly narrow margins.
The proposed NFG regulation, as currently drafted, may further impact these businesses by
eliminating the sale of a legal product category that contributes to overall revenue and customer
traffic. These sales are not standalone transactions, rather, they serve as a catalyst for broader
in-store spending. Customers who come in for these products often purchase additional items
such as food, beverages, and fuel. Eliminating this category risks reducing both foot traffic and
total basket size, amplifying the overall financial impact on already strained small businesses.
We are also concerned about potential unintended consequences, including shifts in consumerpurchasing to neighboring communities, reduced local spending, and broader impacts on
commercial activity within Yarmouth.
Given these considerations, we respectfully request that a thorough and objective economicimpact analysis be conducted prior to any final action on this proposal.
This analysis should include, but not be limited to:
. Potential revenue loss for affected businesses. lmpacts on customer traffic and related sales. Possible displacement of spending to surrounding towns. lmplications for overall economic vitality within Yarmouth
Ensuring that both the public health benefits and the economic implications are fully understood
will support rnformed decision-making and help the Town balance these important priorities.
We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this matter and your continued commitment to the
wellbeing of Yarmouth's residents and business community.
Sincerely,
Hollie Souza
Board Chair
Mary Vilbon
PresidenVCEO
Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce
(508) 778-1008 x 1011
(413) 768-7530 (cell)
IVary Vilbon
PresidenUCEO
n>wYARlIIOUTH
424 Route 28
West Yarmouth, MA 02673
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