A set of new smoking and tobacco regulations in Pittsfield, Mass. went into effect yesterday; chief among them is that smoking in the city’s 27 parks is now illegal. Additionally, cigars priced under $2.50 per stick must be sold in a package containing a minimum of two cigars, as part of an effort to reduce access to them by young people. The city is also trying to reduce the number of tobacco licenses, as the new regulations say that if a store with a tobacco sales permit closes, that license is automatically and permanently retired. Similarly, a store that fails to renew its license within 30 days of its expiration will have that license revoked. The new rules replace and add on to existing regulations that ban smoking in all workplaces, including retail tobacco stores and private clubs, as well as within 10 feet of buildings that are open to the public. Violators face a fine of $100 for a first offense, with the number escalating to $200 for a second offense within 24 months and $300 for a third offense within that same time frame. A food service establishments could also lose its license for violating the law. There is also ...
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