Board of Health decides:Smoking in the Boys Club will continue on Beano nights
Published on July 18th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - What had the potential of becoming a political showdown turned into a showcase of cooperation when representatives of the Stoneham Boys & Girls Club met with the Board of Health at its July 10 meeting at the Senior Center.
The issue of the night was the smoking of participants at Beano Night at the Boys & Girls Club facility on Dale Court. Tobacco Control Officer Ruth Brophy opened the meeting, explaining that the Board had received five complaints from Beano players, one written and four from people who were reluctant to put their feelings on paper. Of concern also, was how the weekend smoking might affect the kids playing at the club during the week.
Attorney Charles Houghton, representing the Boys & Girls Club, played down that issue, noting that the facility is closed on Monday and Tuesday until 2 p.m. during the school year. Houghton said that the club had plenty of time to clear its air.
"Three years ago we reached a compromise to separate smokers and non-smokers. The policies aren’t being adhered to. Doors are left open," Brophy said.
Beano Night proceeds represent 90 percent of the Boys & Girls Club’s $400,000 income, and Houghton stated that ending Beano would be the end of the Boys & Girls Club. Houghton estimated 70 percent of Beano participants were smokers. Part of the problem is that smoking regulations vary from town to town, and as Brophy learned from her discussions with state lottery officials, Beano facilities that have gone smoke-free have suffered a loss of income, losing participants to smoking facilities. It was agreed that income is also being lost to casinos in Connecticut and "high stakes" Beano in New Hampshire. Brophy also learned that facilities that tried "smoke breaks" lost business because players irritated with constant interruptions to the game chose to go elsewhere to play.
Board member Michael Rolli said, "We don’t want to put this organization out of business. It’s good for the kids."
In a later interview, Club Executive Director Pat O’Donnell said, "Malden runs nine games. Two of them at Malden Catholic are two of the biggest games in the state. If we ban smoking here, my people will drive to Malden."
Brophy declined to be interviewed.
The Board expressed concern about the efficiency of the ventilation system and wondered how it could be improved. A suggestion was made and agreed upon for Board members and Boys Club representatives to visit the facility after the meeting to review the ventilation system.
Brophy noted that the state would test the air quality for free and proposed that it be done. A motion was granted to continue Beano for six months and make a decision after the state survey was done.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!