# Board of Health 10-8-2026

The Reading Board of Health meeting on October 8, 2026, approved the September 10 minutes and unanimously approved the transfer of a tobacco license to Ruchan Patel. The prior owner’s fines and suspension had been satisfied; Patel described his compliance practices and plans for the store. The board noted that Reading has 15 of 16 available tobacco licenses. No procurement activity was identified.

The board discussed kratom risks and possible local regulation, hearing from public health staff about product potency, health concerns, and other municipalities’ bans. No vote was taken; staff were asked to prepare a draft regulation for the next meeting, with the discussion favoring a broad sales ban for consideration and a later public hearing. Members also discussed changing tobacco regulations so second- and third-violation suspensions are mandatory rather than discretionary; a draft amendment, including a reporting process, will return for review. Other updates covered health inspections, vaccination and public-health programs, public access to meeting materials, and a property condemned on an emergency basis for health conditions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Sources
- [Board of Health 10-8-2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ms0OQ3A1A4) - RCTV Studios