Great Barrington teen pushes for change in tobacco law
Though just 16, Robert Betram, a Senior at Monument Mountain Regional High School, is pushing to reform the current laws governing tobacco use among minors.
Massachusetts state law currently prohibits anyone from selling tobacco products to minors but does not prevent minors from possessing them.
Bertram is looking to change this. Under Bertram’s proposal, minors would be barred from possessing any tobacco products, in addition to the current restrictions on selling tobacco to minors.
The current laws, Bertram says, do not make sense and do not achieve their objective of mitigating tobacco use among minors.
He believes the proposed changes will make the laws more logical and efficient. Additionally, Bertram’s proposal is not the first of its kind. In Lynn, Massachusetts, minors are restricted from possessing tobacco products and a similar law is in effect in Rhode Island.
Under Bertram’s proposed changes, minors caught with tobacco once would have the option of paying a $25 fine and completing five hours of community service or participating in a tobacco cessation program at Fairview Hospital within two months of their violation.
Penalties would escalate for each subsequent offense, culminating in a $100 fine and 15 hours of community service for minors caught with tobacco three or more times. Though the proposal is still in its early stages, it has garnered support from many, including William Walsh, the Great Barrington Police Chief, and Frederick P. Conforti, the Chairman of the Great Barrington Board of Health.
However, not all enthusiastic about Bertram’s proposed changes. Criticisms include the extra burden that would be placed on police officers and the difficult in enforcing the law.
Bertram acknowledges these criticisms but adds, “I don’t imagine police officers would face an excessive burden. If they were to see minors with tobacco, then they would enforce the law. But it would not be excessive.”
Under the proposed changes, enforcement would be left to the Great Barrington Board of Health and the Great Barrington Police Department.
Still, some are not convinced of Bertram’s proposal. James Krellenstein, a sophomore at Simon’s Rock, argues, “Ignoring obvious concerns over civil liberties, although Mr. Bertram’s proposal might work in an ideal world, where everyone follows the letter of the law, if other prohibitions are any guide, a ban on tobacco possession would be ineffective, prohibit an open dialogue on the subject, and, by simply fining minors, would do little except increase the already exorbitant financial costs of tobacco use.”
Despite these criticisms, Bertram is firm in his belief in the proposal. Bertram argues, “The government of Great Barrington has the responsibility to make the most efficient decisions for health of minors in the long run. There is a tradeoff but the benefits outweigh the costs. This proposal would be in the best interest of minors.”
In order for the bylaw to be placed on the town warrant and be voted on, Bertram and his supporters must gather 10 signatures.
If Bertram is successful, the proposal will be voted on in May of next year. Beyond his hopes to change the current laws governing tobacco possession in Great Barrington, Bertram is looking to graduate this year (a year early) from Monument Mountain and attend Simon’s Rock, where he is considering concentrating in History or Philosophy.
By Derek Walker
10/21/09
