On October 10, 2011, the Boston Public Health Department’s conference room at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue was packed beyond standing room. The door had to be kept open as t-shirted youth waiting to testify in support of new tobacco regulations stood patiently next to men in business suits concerned about the loss of business.

My name is Sheila Ramirez. I am 15 and attend Brighton High. I am a youth leader at the Hyde Square Task Force in Jamaica Plain. I am here today to urge you to think about the young people of Boston. Please support the proposed tobacco regulations so that my peers can lead healthy and happy lives. more…

Thanks to the education efforts of BACH tobacco coalitions, the 84 (HIRA’s anti-tobacco youth advocacy organization), Sociedad Latina and  other community groups, the Board of Health Commissioners passed new regulations Limiting Tobacco and Nicotine Access by Youth. Since 90% of adult smokers start using tobacco before their 18th birthday, policies that make it more difficult for youth to acquire tobacco and nicotine products are crucial. The new regulations restrict the sale of electronic cigarettes to those 18 and over, and require a permit to sell the product. They also prohibit the sale of loose mini cigars or cigarillos, requiring them to be sold minimally in a package of five. Affordability plays a significant role in youth consumption of tobacco products. Prior to this regulation, mini-cigars had been available in Boston for as little as $0.50 each, making them an inexpensive alternative to cigarettes.

After Shelia came sixteen-year-old Taylor from South Boston, Daniel and Hieu from Chinatown, Jessica from Franklin Field, and Shaquille and Hyacynth from Codman Square. One by one they talked about why the proposed regulations were critical. For some, it was their first time speaking in public. Pat Milano, coordinator for the East Boston Neighborhood Against Substance Abuse Coalition and BACH leader, also emphasized the importance of these regulations for her own community. As part of her presentation, she submitted over four hundred signatures and letters collected by BACH youth coalition members. Also there in support were members from Project RIGHT and Allston-Brighton and Charlestown’s Substance Abuse Coalition. On December 1, when the Board of Health voted in favor of the change, it was a great victory.

Next steps for the BACH tobacco coalitions include participating in a Kick Butts Day on March 21, 2012. Kick Butts Day is a national day of youth action where youth educate elected officials about tobacco pricing and prevention. Additionally, BACH is planning an advocacy campaign to support increases in the cigarette tax and other tobacco products. To get involved in future efforts, please join or contact us.