From: Stephen Helfer Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2025 1:18 PM EST To: forte@bellinghamma.org ; rgilberti@bellinghamma.org ; rmartinelli@bellinghamma.org ; ssahin@bellinghamma.org ; mhennessy@bellinghamma.org ; aodabashian@bellinghamma.org ; dmartinis@bellinghamma.org ; jenaltomonte@bellinghamma.org ; dfraine@bellinghamma.org Subject: PLEASE REJECT GENERATIONAL TOBACCO & NICOTINE BAN (NICOTINE-FREE GENERATION) Board of Health, Select Board, & Town Administrator: Last September the CDC reported teen smoking is at an historic low & teen vaping is at a ten-year low. On January 16, the FDA authorized ZYN nicotine pouches for adults & noted teen nicotine pouch use is low. If the tobacco industry is trying to attract the young, it is not succeeding. Teens are not using these products and retailers are heavily fined if they sell to persons under 21. Massachusetts adults 21 & over are judged capable of making their own decisions regarding alcohol & marijuana--both intoxicants. Are they not competent to make their own decisions regarding tobacco & nicotine products, neither of which impair judgment or interfere with motor skills such as driving? Most stores selling nicotine and tobacco are owned by immigrants of color. Further restricting these owners under the guise of "protecting the young" will hurt and devalue minority businesses. Please do not impose new tobacco or nicotine restrictions. Paul Neff Cambridge Citizens for Smokers' Rights (617) 945-0484