Sale of cigarettes may be banned in Concord if proposal passes

CONCORD — Kim Beers is holding down the family business.

Colonial Motors was started by her parents back in 1971.

Cigarette sales account for 20 percent of their business.

But a proposed ban on the sale of tobacco in any store, unless it’s a smoke shop, may soon pass. But there is no smoke shop in town.

So effectively, cigarettes would be banned in Concord if this proposal goes through.

Across the street, one 7-Eleven owner says 24 percent of his business goes up in smoke if the ban goes through.

And this, despite the fact the state age to buy tobacco products went up from 18 to 21 on Jan. 1.

Still, people in town stand by a ban.

“I mean, the message needs to go out very clearly that this is something that should be discouraged. It’s a health hazard,” said Bilal Arif of Concord.

And some believe no tobacco ever is the wave of the future.

“I think all the laws are working towards making this thing that’s really bad for people inaccessible," said Zenaida Peterson.

But for small business owners, one town’s ban is another’s gain.

“I think they’re going over the top, because if you have money and you want to buy it and you’re over 21 you’re gonna have a pack of cigarettes.”

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