ATHOL — Multiple convenience store owners showed up for a public hearing Tuesday afternoon to express their opposition to a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches.

New tobacco regulations under consideration by the town’s Board of Health would prohibit the sale of the pouches anywhere except “adult retail stores only” — essentially smoke shops where patrons must be at least 21 years of age. The pouches are sold under a variety of brand names, including Zyn, Mr. Fog and Fully Loaded.

According to a statement printed on a copy of the draft regulations, the Board of Health says restricting the sale of pouches to adult-only stores is “highly recommended” because sale of the product “is detrimental in preventing and reducing youth use and nicotine addiction.” According to board member Joan Hamlett, who also serves as director of the Central Mass Tobacco Control Alliance, the town of Orange recently passed restrictions with no opposition.

The pouches can range from 2 mg of nicotine per pouch up to as much as 20 mg or more. Jake Patel, owner of Athol Mini Mart, told the board that he sells nothing higher than 3 mg pouches. Other store owners said they sometimes offer 6 mg pouches, but added most customers tend to stick with the 3-mg product. Gaurang Patel, who owns Country Convenience, said no one he knows of sells anything stronger than the 6 mg pouches. He also said most of his customers ask only for the 3 mg or 6 mg pouches. Jay Patel of Larry’s Variety said he was told he couldn’t sell anything stronger than 6 mg.

All store owners at the hearing said a complete ban on the sale of nicotine pouches at their stores would negatively impact their business.

“We saw a 25% drop in our business when flavored products were banned,” said Jay Patel. “It’s very hard to survive right now.”

He argued that potential customers will simply drive to other communities to buy the pouches.

Mihiz Vyas of Country Mart agreed.

“It makes it harder for us to survive,” he said. “If we have to explain to customers why they can buy it in other towns but not here, they get angry with us. Our business goes somewhere else.”

Vyas told the Board of Health that many people use the pouches as a step toward quitting smoking.

“They see it as a way to eventually stop,” he said.

Board of Health Chair Marty Miarecki asked the group if any of their stores sell smoking cessation products like nicotine gum. Patrick Daly of the Mobil gas station and convenience store replied that the sale of Nicorette and similar products is limited to pharmacies.

The Board of Health did not take a vote at the conclusion of the public hearing. Instead, members agreed to discuss the issue further at their meeting in December. At that time, said Miarecki, the board will either make a decision or consider the policy further.