Haverhill Prohibits Smoking Cigar in Clubs

Local variety and convenience store representatives left City Hall smiling last night after the Board of Health decided not to ban the sale of inexpensive single cigars under the new smoking and tobacco sales rules it adopted. Representatives of local private clubs and veterans’ clubs left wondering what the new rules will mean for them. Under the new regulations, smoking will no longer be allowed in private clubs in Haverhill, and pharmacies in the city will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products. But the clubs will have the option of creating what Board Chairman Dr. Carl Rosenbloom called “negative air pressure rooms,” where only club members will be allowed to smoke. Rosenbloom proposed the option after representatives of local veterans’ organizations voiced opposition to banning smoking in their clubs. The option of creating these special rooms will first go to the city solicitor for review, then would be expected to go into effect in six months, Rosenbloom said. About 55 people attended hearing, during which the Health Board heard testimony both for and against the two sections of the new regulations. One prohibits smoking in workplaces and public places, while the other restricts the sale of tobacco and nicotine-delivery products. The board originally proposed banning the sale of single cigars priced at less than $2.50 and require those types of inexpensive cigars to be sold in packs of four or more. The idea was to make it more expensive for minors to buy these products, in hopes they will not become lifelong smokers.