Dover Board of Health Votes 3-0 to Adopt Nicotine-Free Generation Rule

DOVER — November 3, 2025 — Dover's Board of Health voted 3-0 Monday to ban nicotine and tobacco product sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2005, making it one of roughly 19 Massachusetts communities to adopt a nicotine-free generation policy. Chair K. Peterson, Vice Chair John Quackenbush, and member Steven Kresco approved the amendment to Section 220-6 of the town's health code after a public hearing in which 13 speakers testified, the majority in support. Health Director Jason Belmonte noted the regulation also updates ID-checking and signage requirements. Opposition focused on economic harm to local retailers, including Dover Mobile owner Mike Ceine and his son Jabar, and on adult autonomy arguments advanced by the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association's Peter Brennan. Supporters included pulmonologist Zachary Rich of Boston Medical Center and Public Health Advocacy Institute Executive Director Mark Gotautle, who confirmed his organization would defend Dover without cost if the regulation were challenged in court, as it successfully defended Brookline through the state Supreme Judicial Court.