Agenda

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FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE - Special Meeting

Meeting Date:	10/29/2020
Subject: Policy Options to Protect Youth from Tobacco Influences in the Retail Environment
Submitted For:	David Twa
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	FHS #112
Referral Name:	Policy Options to Protect Youth from Tobacco Influences in the Retail Environment
Presenter:	Dan Peddycord	Contact:	Ryyn Schumacher 925-313-6712

Information

Referral History:

The Board of Supervisors approved two tobacco control ordinances in July 2017 to protect youth from tobacco influences in the retail environment: a zoning ordinance and a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance. Of particular concern were the marketing and availability of youth-friendly flavored tobacco products, small pack sizes of cigars and cigarillos, and density and location of tobacco retailers, since these contribute largely to youth exposure to tobacco influences and tobacco use. The tobacco retailer licensing ordinance required extensive preparation for implementation, and tobacco retailers were required to be compliant with the new provisions by January 1, 2018. Contra Costa Public Health staff provided a report to the Board of Supervisors in March 2018 on preliminary implementation efforts.

Referral Update:

In November 2019, the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance 2019-34 (Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices and E-Liquids Prohibited) which increased the protections for youth from tobacco influences in the retail environment. Ordinance 2019-34 was a necessary response to an epidemic rise in youth vaping where young people were vulnerable to tobacco addiction as well as concerns related to E-cigarette/Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). The ordinance also expanded the restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco in all areas of the unincorporated areas of the County, rather than just within 1,000 feet of youth-sensitive areas. A brief report specific to the implementation of the newly adopted Ordinance 2019-34 is presented, including information on the necessary strategies to continue activities despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please see the attached report from the Public Health Director on the implementation of the tobacco retailer licensing and businesses zoning ordinances.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

ACCEPT report on the on the implementation of the tobacco retailer licensing and businesses zoning ordinances and return next year with an update.

DIRECT staff to track efforts by the tobacco industry to reverse the protections provided in SB 793, and to keep the Committee informed.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

There is no fiscal impact.

Attachments
Annual Report on Tobacco Retail Licensing - 2020