pages: CityCouncil/2018-11-27.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2018-11-27 | 8 | Stated tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in the United States: Paul Cummings, ACPHD. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft expressed sympathy for the immigrant-owned small businesses; stated the reason tobacco sales are decreasing is due to effective education causing people to stop smoking; inquired if other inventory can be procured by vendors instead of tobacco; stated public health will take precedence every time. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry regarding data on City retailers selling to youth, the Assistant City Attorney stated based off of 2013 data provided by the Alameda Police Department, 2 out of 47 stores had violations of selling to minors; in 2012, 9 out of 45 stores had violations of selling to minors. Mayor Spencer inquired whether there is more recent data, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the negative. Mayor Spencer inquired whether online sales are permitted to Alameda residents, to which the Assistant City Attorney responded in the affirmative Councilmember Matarrese moved final passage of the ordinance; stated the leading cause of preventable death in the United States is tobacco; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased warning labels on tobacco related industries targeting children; that there is no control over online sales, but there is control over sales Citywide. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Vella stated allowing the same number of tobacco licenses to continue defeats the purpose of the ordinance; there is a difference in quantity between cannabis dispensaries and tobacco retail licenses; tobacco is addictive and kills; the solution is not to pass the burden of selling to the next small business owner; part of flourishing as a small business or convenience store is to sell alternate products and having a solid business and marketing plan; expressed concern about retailers with tobacco licenses being near schools. Councilmember Oddie discussed a study by "The Truth Initiative" group; noted 74% youth indicated they obtained Juuls from a physical retail location, 52% from a social source, and 6% on the internet; stated many people who smoke might not be able to enjoy their retirements due to a tobacco related illness. Mayor Spencer stated the data she reviewed indicated 75% of youth obtained smoking devices from other social sources, not physical retailers; 95% of City retailers have not sold tobacco products to youths; the State recently increased the legal purchasing age of tobacco from 18 to 21, causing a difference in survey response ages; she strongly opposes smoking, but supports adults being capable of making their own decisions; expressed concern over what might be banned next. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 November 27, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-11-27.pdf |