Ban the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products - YES

In the interest of public health and safety—and especially that of local youth—I voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Corte Madera.

The reason is simple: these products, which are blatantly marketed towards kids, are at the center of a nicotine addition epidemic currently gripping local schools. Abuse of tobacco products by underage students has skyrocketed since the advent of "vaping," and public health officials and parents alike are deeply alarmed. The vast majority of the tobacco products fueling this epidemic are flavored to entice kids, in a cynical bid by tobacco companies to addict a new generation of Americans to their products.

I am proud that the Town Council stood up unanimously to say no to this sinister and dangerous marketing ploy, making it significantly harder for local youth to access these unsafe and addictive products. I believe this vote was a strong signal that our community will not hesitate to take decisive action when the health and wellbeing of our children are threatened.

This ordinance also requires tobacco retailers to obtain Tobacco Retailer Licenses from the Town, and banned local pharmacies from selling tobacco products.