KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S

PUBLIC HEARING

Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-2003

A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room, County Government Center, Chestertown, Maryland on Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-2003 which is: an Act concerning the distribution, sale, and display of tobacco products for the purpose of regulating the distribution of tobacco products to minors for commercial purposes in certain circumstances; regulating the method of displaying tobacco products for commercial purposes in certain circumstances; providing for enforcement of these regulations by civil fines; and granting the Public Health Officer of Kent County the power to enforce certain laws relating to the sale, distribution, storage, and display of tobacco products.

County Commissioners Roy W. Crow, Scott D. Livie, and William W. Pickrum were in attendance as well as Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, and T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator. Mauritz Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, Charlene Perry, Director, Health, Promotion and Wellness, Health Department, Sheriff John Price, Walter Coryell, Chestertown Police Chief, twelve interested persons and members of the media were in attendance.

Notice of the public hearing was read into the record by Commissioner Pickrum. Mrs. Perry provided data demonstrating the need for further tobacco controls in Kent County. She reported that Kent County ranks fifth highest in in Maryland for tobacco use in youths. She expressed concern that underage youths who obtain tobacco products are learning to obtain illegal products, hide illegal behavior and may be the gateway to other illegal substances. Mrs. Perry reported that the Health Department has vendor education programs to alert of tobacco placement and advised that 25% -33% of local businesses place tobacco products within potential reach for an underage person to commit theft. Mrs. Perry concluded by saying that the County has a responsibility to protect the youth and enforce the tobacco laws. Commissioner Livie noted that Mr. Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, would also have the authority to enforce tobacco laws.

This local law will take effect on July 18, 2003.

This hearing was taped for reference and adjourned at 9:45 a.m.