BOH agenda 042617 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Tobacco resolution passes Sunday Posted Apr 16, 2017 at 5:55 AM By Rebecca Walter Times-News Staff Writer The Henderson County Board of Health passed a resolution Tuesday requesting the North Carolina General Assembly rescind preemption of tobacco regulation to restore local control over its policies. The seven board members present at the monthly meeting passed the measure unanimously in a symbolic move. “Research shows that the strongest, most innovative and most effective tobacco control policies have most often originated at the local level,” according to background information included with the resolution. “However, preemptive legislation at the state level prevents local communities in North Carolina from passing most tobacco control policies related to the retail environment.” If preemption were lifted, localities would have the ability to increase the minimum legal sales age, as well as to institute tax strategies to increase the cost of tobacco, the resolution continues. Henderson County follows a handful of others that have passed such resolutions, including Orange County, and a joint resolution from Rutherford, McDowell and Polk counties. Local dentist and board member Dr. Pete Richards said the resolution seems to be a growing trend. “It is good to be at the head of it,” he added. The preemption went into effect around 20 years ago when the Youth Access Law was passed. The law was recently modified to extend to e-cigarettes as well. The general assembly would have to revise the statute for local control to be regained. Director Steve Smith the resolution is aimed at getting the attention of the General Assembly so they can consider legislation. “We will forward it to the General Assembly, probably through our local elected officials,” Smith said. “It is just asking essentially to allow more flexibility at the local level to enact rules and regulations we think are needed specific to our community to prevent tobacco use.” In other business: