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HomeMy WebLinkAboutG. 8 - Tobacco Retail LicensingFuture Agenda response for: TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSING (TRL) PROGRAM 7-22-2025 2030 Vision Goal #2 “Maintain Public Safety ” •The rise of vaping among youth has renewed public concern over access to tobacco and nicotine products •State enforcement resources are limited and do not provide for local oversight •California Business and Professions Code Section 22971.3 authorizes local jurisdictions to implement their own tobacco retail licensing programs, and to charge fees sufficient to recover enforcement and administrative costs BACKGROUND All businesses that sell tobacco, vape products, electronic smoking devices, or nicotine delivery systems within Grand Terrace would be required to obtain a City-issued license, in addition to the state license. Local Tobacco Retail License Requirement An annual licensing fee would be charged to each retailer. The fee would be used exclusively to fund enforcement and education, including: •Compliance inspections •Decoy operations to detect sales to minors •Educational outreach to retailers and the community •Enforcement actions for violations Annual License Fee Authorizes local decoy operations in partnership with law enforcement or public health agencies Coordination with San Bernardino County Public Health and local law enforcement agencies should be central to enforcement capacity The program should be drafted to comply with all applicable state laws and constitutional requirements, including ensuring that fees do not exceed the cost of program administration and enforcement Additional considerations BENEFITS 1.Reduces Youth Access to Tobacco and Vape Products 2.Establishes Local Oversight and Control 3.Promotes Public Health and Safety 4.Enables Cost Recovery for Enforcement 5.Improves Retailer Accountability and Education 6.Aligns with State and Public Health Goals DRAWBACKS 1.Administrative Burden 2.Fiscal Viability 3.Legal Risks 4.Retailer Pushback 5.Enforcement Challenges 6.Community Perception RECOMMENDATION •Direct staff to prepare a TRL ordinance and fee resolution (recommended). •Receive and file this report and take no action. •Provide alternative direction to staff. Future Agenda response for: TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSING (TRL) PROGRAM THANK YOU!