Gloucester City Council Votes 9-0 to Ban Cryptocurrency Kiosks Citywide

GLOUCESTER -- September 9, 2025, Gloucester City Council votes 9-0 to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, citing elder fraud. The council adopted an emergency ordinance Tuesday prohibiting the installation, operation, and use of virtual currency kiosks anywhere in the city, effective immediately, with existing machines at two known locations, a variety store below the Drift and Shaw's on Eastern Avenue, required to be removed within 30 days or face $300-per-day fines. Council Vice President Sean Nolan, who coordinated the measure with Mayor Greg Verger's office and City Solicitor Paul Tucker, said police had already documented multiple fraud cases, mostly targeting elderly residents, including one loss of $20,000 that could not be returned. "It's really nice to show that Gloucester, again, can be on the forefront of protecting our citizens," said Council President Tony Gross. The ordinance, modeled on language from the Essex County District Attorney's Office, was also referred 9-0 to two standing committees for full public hearing and permanent adoption. The council separately voted 9-0 to repeal a dormant 2003 zoning overlay district and approved two residential conversion permits that each include deed-restricted affordable units.