On both coasts of the continental United States, outright bans on selling tobacco products are proliferating. Last week, the Tiburon, California Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance that will completely ban the sale of cigars and products made with tobacco or containing nicotine in the city to all citizens, regardless of age; it will take effect December 5. In South Hadley, Massachusetts, the Board of Health voted to implement a generational tobacco ban in the city, meaning anyone born on or after January 1, 2005 won’t be permitted to purchase tobacco products in that town—ever.
In Tiburon (population of approximately 9,000), the legislation was prompted by a local advocacy group of Marin County high school students. The group brought the request to the Town Council, and while a second vote is scheduled for November 5, it is largely considered a formality at this point. The group that made this happen is now working to try and do the same in the nearby town of Ross, California.
After examining the statements from council members and advocacy groups involved in the Tiburon ordinance, it’s clear that the main target here was vapes and nicotine pouches common among youth. Nevertheless, premium, handmade cigars were not spared. There are currently no tobacco retail stores in Tiburon, and the latest ordinance all but ensures there never will be. However, Jaime Rojas, a spokesperson for the National Association of Tobacco Retailers, questioned the need for such legislation. “If Tiburon youth are using tobacco products, then it is definitely because they bought those products either online or outside the city limits,” he said in a statement, arguing the ordinance causes more problems than it solves…