Title
Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 7.80 of the Monterey County Code to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and single use electronic cigarettes.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 7.80 of the Monterey County Code to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and single use electronic cigarettes.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In May 2012, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance Number 5200 to add Chapter 7.80 to the Monterey County Code to establish licensing requirements for tobacco retailing within the unincorporated area of Monterey County. The purpose of the ordinance was to reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors.
Enforcement is conducted by Environmental Health Bureau who provides retail education at the point of purchase to ensure compliance issues are addressed onsite. Additional enforcement is provided by law enforcement.
Electronic cigarettes, (also called e-cigarettes and/or electronic vaporizers), are battery-operated devices that deliver vapor (sometimes called aerosol) made up of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. These devices were first introduced into the American market in 2007 with shapes and sizes quickly changing over time; providing a sleek and modern look appealing to youth. Many electronic cigarettes have removable cartridges that are filled with liquids that come in a variety of flavors such as mint, fruit and candy that do not smell or taste like regular cigarettes. In addition, the liquids may include nicotine salts that feel less harsh on the throat and lungs allowing users to inhale more deeply.
There is increasing evidence that the large amount of nicotine salts within electronic cigarettes may be responsible for increasing nicotine addiction among youth. With traditional cigarettes and older types of electronic cigarettes, the smoke and high nicotine levels can appear harsh for users, resulting in coughing, diz...
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