Flavored Tobacco Ban Takes Effect In Fremont

FREMONT, CA — New regulations surrounding the sale of tobacco products have taken effect in Fremont, including a ban on flavored tobacco products. The ban took effect on Friday, along with other features of the city's Tobacco Retail License Program.

The program was passed unanimously by the Fremont City Council with the community joining over 150 other California municipalities with similar programs.

The flavored products ban includes menthol cigarettes and flavored non-cigarette tobacco products such as little cigars, smokeless tobacco, and flavored components of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The flavoring includes everything from mint and chocolate, to honey and spice.

In a release, the City of Fremont said, "The Council’s action is intended to address the public health epidemic of vaping by deterring youth access to any tobacco products in an effort to prevent future generations from nicotine addiction."

In addition to the flavored tobacco ban, the new program requires:

• Any retailer selling tobacco products must obtain an annual Tobacco Retail License from the City of Fremont
• Cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20, at a minimum price of $8; Cigars (this includes cigarillos/little cigars) must be sold in packs of 5, at a minimum price of $8
• Single cigars already sold at $5 are permitted

Retailers caught by surprise are invited to workshops on Nov. 15 or 20. Contact Fremont’s Code Enforcement Division at 510-494-4430 for more information.

The new law is posted online.