THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021 Page 3 Cultural exemption to smoking ordinance would allow for hookah lounges By Adam Swift T he Board of Health is looking at a cultural exemption to the city’s workplace smoking ordinances that would allow for hookah bars in Revere. During last week’s meeting, the board began discussions on the amendment proposed by Mayor Brian Arrigo. The next steps the board will take include crafting an amendment and holding a public hearing on the proposal. Attorney Chris Cridler spoke in favor of a move to allow hookah and shisha bars within the city limits. Cridler represents a client who is looking to open a hookah bar on Winthrop Avenue if an amendment does pass. Cridler said the history of smoking hookahs and shisha tobacco goes back to the 16th century in India and the Middle East as a way for people to relax and socialize. “It’s somewhat akin in Western Culture to just meeting at a bar and having the opportunity to communicate, relax and connect with other people,” said Cridler. A shisha or hookah lounge would cater to those who choose not to drink but would like a similar social atmosphere, he said. “Revere is home to a diverse array of cultures, including many parts of the world where smoking shisha or hookah is very commonplace,” said Cridler. “A hookah cafe or lounge in Revere would provide these members and new members who come to this community with a small taste of home.” The potential hookah lounge on Winthrop Avenue would not serve alcohol, has off -street parking and would likely close by 10 or 11 p.m., Cridler said. Board of Health Chair Nathalee Kong said she appreciated Mayor announces appointment of Dr. Nathalee Kong as Chief of Public Health and Human Services M ayor Brian Arrigo on Monday announced the appointment of Dr. Nathalee Kong as Chief of Public Health and Human Services for the City of Revere. Dr. Kong will assume her position on August 16, 2021, and will be the second to serve in this role, which was created under the leadership of Mayor Arrigo during his second term in office. Currently, Dr. Kong serves as the chair for the Revere Board of Health and is a primary care physician at the MGH Revere HealthCare Center. Her leadership was instrumental in the City’s response and ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Mayor’s Emergency Response Team. “Dr. Kong worked diligently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to guide Revere through one of its most challenging times,” said Mayor Arrigo. “Her commitment to the health of our community, both before and after the pandemic, highlights her support and understanding of the residents of Revere, making her the most ideal candidate for the Chief of Public Health and Human Services position.” hearing from Cridler and did respect eff orts by Arrigo’s administration to craft policy that represents all races, creeds and cultures in the city. The board unanimously agreed to open up the cultural exemption amendment to a public hearing in the near future. “We want to make sure we get opinions from the entire city, or as many city members who have a stake in this as possible,” said Kong. After holding the public hearing, Kong said, the Board of Health will then deliberate and determine if there is anything it wants to change in the amendment. While Kong agreed on moving forward with the hearing, she did say she has some reservations given the high smoking rates in Revere. “I think before COVID happened, JUUL was a big thing, and vaping in the schools was a huge problem,” said Kong. “It may be a myth that hookah or shisha may be a little bit safer, but there is data that supports it’s not safer.” Settipane Insurance Services FREE Gift for New Clients! Of Boston |Since 1969 Lowest Rates Available! “Experience Makes the Difference” Auto • Homeowners Tenants • Commercial Se Habla Español * Free Parking 207A Squire Rd., Revere 781-284-1100 Lawrence A. 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